wli 


tihvavy  of  ^he  theological  ^cminavy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


BV  3785  .V3F^^T~I%7^ 
Van  Cott,  Maggie  Newton, 

1830. 
The  harvest  and  the  reaper 


(UN   8   1951 

THE 

Harvest  and  the  Reaper. 


^einiiiisanws  of  ^ifliikl  Morli 


MRS.    MAGGIE    N.    VAN    COTT. 

27ie  ^rsi  iady  licensed  to  Preach  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States. 

INTRODUCTION   BY   BISHOP   HAVEN. 


Your  daughters  shall  prophesy.— Acts  ii.  17. 


NEW  YORK: 

N.    TIBBALS    &    SONS 
124  Nassau  Street. 


COPYRIGHT,  1876. 


IT.  TiBBALs  &  Sons. 


DEDICA.TION. 


So  all  llu  mung  aonuerfs, 


WHO  HAVE  FOUND  THE  SAVIOR,  IN  THE  PARDON  OF  THEIR  SINS 


WHO  ARE  DETERMINED  TO  MEET  ME  IN  HEAVEN, 


IS  THIS  WORK 


HAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  LOTT 


C^^K) 


Preface. 


;RS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  C0T1 
had  scarcely  commenced  her  labors  at 
Barrington,  111.,  before  she  was  struck 
down  with  a  fearful  attack  of  erysipelas.  For 
six  weeks  she  bore  her  sufferings  patiently,  and, 
under  the  skillful  medical  treatment  of  W.  M. 
BuRBANK,  M.  D.,  and  the  blessing  of  God,  she 
was  fully  restored. 

While  convalescent  she  communicated  the 
facts  herein  narrated  to  the  Author. 

We  are  much  indebted  to  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Peat 
for  valuable  services  rendered  during  the  progress 
of  the  work. 

The  artist,  J.  C.  Buttre,  of  New  York,  has 
succeeded    in    producing    a   very    correct    st^eJ 


VI  PREFACE. 

engraving,  from  a  photograph  by  A.  E.  Alden 
of  Springfield,  Mass. 

The  engraving  of  the  church  was  a  present 
from  her  friends  in  that  congregation. 

We  are  confident  that  this  Httle  vohime  will  be 
read  bv  thousands  who  have  listened  to  her  min- 
istrations, and  prized  by  hundreds  who  have  been 
led  to  Christ  through  her  efforts. 

THE  AUTHOR. 


Contents. 


Introduction,  by  Gilbert  Haven xiii 

Woman's  Place  in  the  Gospel,  by  Rev.  D.  Sherman^     xxix 

CHAPTER    I. 

PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  HOME. 

William  K.  Newton — Rachel  Primrose — First  Impressions  of 
Methodism — Death  of  William  P.  Primrose — Influence  of 
Mr.  Newton — First  Love — At  School — Haunted  House — 
Death  of  Willie — Home  at  Williamsburg — Desires  to  Attend 
the  Methodist  Church,  .        .  .  pages  i-io 


CHAPTER  II. 

MARRIED. 

Peter  P.  Van  Cott — Late  Hours — Mother's  Opposition — Prepa- 
rations for  the  Wedding — The  Nuptials — Home  at  Mr.  Van 
Cott's — The  First-Rom — Death  of  Little  Rachel — Gloom  in 
the  Household — Birth  of  Sarah  Ellen — Death  of  Mr.  New- 
ton,    11-22 

CHAPTER  III. 

NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFE. 

Work  in  Church— Singing — Colonel  Conselyea — Mr.  Van  Cott 
in  Poor  Health— Plans  for  the  Future— "  Yankee  Peddler"— 
Leaving    Home— Mr.    Seabury— First    Sale    of    Drugs   and 

VII 


nil  CONTENTS. 

Patent  Medicines  —  Success  —  Next  Trip  —  Staten  Island  — 
Long  Island — Sewing-Machines — Manufacturing  Patent  Med- 
icines for  Wholesale — Father-in-law  Deranged — His  Death — 
Home  in  New  York  City — Convictions  of  Duty  to  God  — 
Happy  Conversion, pages  23-55 

CHAPTER    IV. 

EXULTANT  JOY. 

Mr.  Van  Cott  Better — Work  in  the  Laboratory — Fulton-Stree* 
Prayer-Meeting — Prayer-Meetings — Attends  Class-Meeting — 
Shouting — Husband's  Approval  of  Her  Attending  Class- 
Meetings — Home  Readings  for  the  Sick  One,         .         ^6-7 1 

CHAPTER  V. 

DEEPENING   SHADOWS. 

Sickness  of  Mrs.  Van  Cott — Mr.  Van  Cott  Worse — Neglect  of 
Business — Comfort  of  the  Scriptures — Dream  of  the  River 
of  Death,  and  Interpretation  by  Mr.  Van  Cott — Calls  of  the 
Clergy — Efforts  Made  to  Save  the  Dying  Man — "Thy  Will 
be  Done"  —  Communion  —  The  Last  Hours  —  Triumphant 
Death— The  Funeral 72-88 

CHAPTER  VI. 

RESUMING   BUSINESS. 

Confusion  in  the  Store — Change  of  Location — Trip  Abroad 
Among  the  Merchants — Whisky  Trader  "Living  by  Faith" — 
Places  Visited — Lonely  Walk  Past  a  Graveyard — A  Warm 
Welcome, 89-103 

CHAPTER  VII. 

MISSION   WORK. 

First  Invitation  Rejected — Protest  of  Kindred — Five  Points  Mis- 
sion— First  Meeting  a  Failure — Second  Effort  a  Success — 
Dislike  to  Speak  Before  Negroes — Trials  in  Refusing  to  do 
Her  Duty — Victory  ii\  the  Meeting  of  Colored  People — Mrs. 


CONTENTS.  B 

Cufiy— Father  Thompson  — The  Sailor's  Speech— Watch- 
Night — Text  Given  About  the  "  Wheels  "  in  Ezekiel — Form- 
ing a  Sunday-School — "Street  Arabs" — "Lizzie" — Parting 
with  Her  Jewelry — Maria,         .        ,        ,         pages  104-134 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

CLOUDS,  TEMPTATIONS,  AND  SORROWS. 

liOss  of  Property — Edgar  Bedell  —  Urging  Him  to  Attend 
Church — His  Resolution  —  Struck  with  Death  —  ''^It  is  Too 
Z«/^"  — The  Heavy  Blow— Alfred  Battersby— The  "Little 
Sister" — Trip  to  Greene  County— Cornellsville — The  Snap- 
pish Church-Member  —  Shouting — Rev.  J.  Battersby — The 
"Little  Sister's"  First  Visit  to  New  York — Mother-in-law 
Afflicted — Sufferings — Death,        .        .  .         135-148 

CHAPTER   IX 

THE  WIDENING  FIELD. 

Second  Visit  to  Greene  County — Ride  from  Catskill^-"  You 
Must  Preach" — A  Dream — Crowded  House — Hervey-Street 
Baptist  Church — In  the  Pulpit — Six  Weeks  in  a  Revival — 
Hunter  Village — "That  are  Woman" — Windham  Center — 
Rev.  A.  C.  Morehouse — Return  to  New  York,       .       149-164 

CHAPTER  X. 

REVIVAL   INCIDENTS. 

The  Penitent — Bonds  of  Satan — Colonel  R. — "  Was  You  Ever 
an  Actress" — Mr.  Bloodgood — Lady  who  Hated  Her  Sis- 
ter-in-law—  Dying  Man  —  First  Funeral  Sermon  —  Five 
Weeks'  Labors — Prayer-Meeting  in  a  Hotel — "  The  Devilish 
Woman," 165-183 

CHAPTER  XI. 

GIVING   UP   BUSINESS — WHOLLY   IN   THE   WORK. 

Closing  up  Business — Testimonials — Cairo,  Greene  County,  New 
York— The  Sleepy  Pastor— The  Young  Ladies'  Meeting— The 


X  CONTENTS. 

Men's   Meeting — "Remember  You're   a  Woman" — Happy 
Result  of  the  Meetings,       .        .        .        .       pages  184-192 

CHAPTER  XII. 

NEW    DIFFICULTIES. 

Nine  Weeks  at  Cairo,  Greene  County,  New  York — Grove 
Meetings — Legal  Rights — Petition  to  the  Presiding  Elder — 
Checkmated  —  Mr.  Ransom — $2,800  Lost  —  Sunday-School 
Anniversary  at  Leeds — Short  of  Means — No  Breakfast — Ride 
in  the  Rain  and  Mud — At  the  Home  of  a  Friend — Roast  Tur- 
key— Prattsville — Rich  Old  Gentleman  wants  to  Engrave  Her 
Name  on  the  Rocks — Boys  Saying  the  Lord's  Prayer — Exhort' 
er's  License — Severe  Mental  Struggle — Brother  Palmer — Two 
Hundred  Souls  Asked  For — Two  Hundred  and  Thirty-Five 
Given, 193-212 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE   GOOD   WORK   SPREADING. 

A  Young  Man  in  Agony — His  Oonversion — Scores  Converted — 
Joining  the  Sons  of  Temperance — At  Madeline,  Dutchess 
County,  New  York — Stone  Ridge,  Ulster  County — Before 
the  Official  Board — Disciplinary  Questions — Given  Local 
Preacher's  License — First  Year's  Work — At  Paterson, 
New  Jersey — Rev.  Dimmick — "  Snubbed  " — Political  Strife — 
Delivers  a  Fourth  of  July  Oration — Fireworks — Rev.  W.  H. 
Dickinson — Will  God  Hear  the  Prayers  of  the  Two  Actresses 
Converted? 213-229 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

IN    NEW   ENGLAND. 

At  Chicopee  Falls— Springfield,  Mass.— Chelsea— The  "Wick- 
edest Man"  in  the  Places-Letters  of  William  Henry  Jones — 
Ten  Weeks  at  Chelsea— Four  Hundred  Converted — At  Wil- 
braham,  Mass. — Seventy-Five  at  the  Altar  the  Third  Night — 
Zeal  of  the  Faculty — Again  at  Springfield — Experience  ol 
De  Forest  B.  Dodge— CI arenpe  Smith  Drowned — Windsor 


CONTENTS.  Xi 

Locks— Eight  Weeks  at  Shelbume  Falls— The  "Bully  Eu- 
chre Player"  Converted — J.  H.  Yvilder's  Conversion — The 
Praying  Band— Greenfield — Webster— Seventy  Devils  Cast 
Out  of  a  Young  Man — Again  at  Windsor  Locks- Conver- 
sion of  John  Anderson — At  North  Manchester — Kev.  G. 
W.  Fuller — Meriden,  Conn.— Eev.  John  Pegg— A  Swede 
Converted- Happy  Coincidence,      .       .        pages  230-206 

CHAPTER  XV. 

VICTOBIES  IN   THE  WEST. 

Leaving  the  Home  of  Her  Childhood— Chicago — Rev.  W.  H. 
Daniels — At  Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin — Rev.  W.  H.  Window 
— Cotton-Street  Church — Work  Begun — "Religion  Takes 
All  the  Swear  Out  of  a  Fellow" — Conversion  of  an  Edi- 
tor— Many  Incidents— Summary  of  the  Year's  Labor — At 
Oshkosh— Rev.  W.  P.  Stowe— Incidents— Letter  Received 
— Eastward  Again— One  Night  at  Fond  du  Lac — Recep- 
tion—At Clark-Street  Church,  Chicago— Remarks  of  the 
Tribune 267-284 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

PRESSING   ON. 

Meriden,  Conn.— Columbus,  Wis.— Sun  Prairie,  Wis.— Again 
at  Columbus — Standing  in  the  Way  of  Sinners — Sad  Death 
of  a  Young  Man— At  Appleton,  Wis. — Beaver  Dam,  Wis. — 
The  Mayor— Isaac  J.  Hibbard— Death  of  Charley,  Crushed 
intheMiU,  285-306 

CHAPTER  XVII 

IN    THE   PULPIT. 

Sketches  of  Two  Sermons- 1.  Hebrews  x.  23:  "Let  us  hold 
fast  the  profession  of  our  faith;"  2.  Isaiah  Iv.  6,  7:  "Seek 
ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,"  etc.,       .        307-325 


Xii  COIfTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XVm. 

SHAIili  WOMEN   PBEACH? 

Historic  Sketch— Testimony  in  Favor— Dr.  Clarke's  Opinion— 
Dr.  Priestly—Eeview  of  First  Corintliians— New  Testament 
Authorities— Dr.  Whedon— Dr.  Mosheim— Dr.  Langa— 
Facts— No  Barrier  when  Correctly  Viewed,     pages  326-3'J7 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

PEN   PICTURES. 

Her  Voice — Her  Reading — Her  Gestures — Her  Education— 
Her  Descriptive  Powers^Her  Sermons— Her  Altar  Work- 
In  the  Audience— Her  Success— Bp.  Haven— Bp.  Peck— 
Her  Prayers,         .      .        338-350 

CHAPTER  XX. 

BAND  MEETINGS. 

Constitution— Reports  from  Beloit,  Wis.— Milwaukee— Omaha 
— San  Francisco— Baltimore— New  Orle*«is — East  Minne- 
apolis—Other  Kinds  of  Meetings,         .      ,      .        351-360 


Introduction 


BY   GILBERT    HAVEN, 
ONK  or  THE  BISHOPS  OF  THE  M.   E.   CHtTBOH. 


volume. 


•Y  first  knowledge  of  Rev.  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
so  forcibly  illustrates  some  traits  in  her 
character  that  it  may  well  serve  as  an 
introduction,  both  to  this  tribute  and  this 
One  day  Rev.  Mr.  Mars  entered  my  office 
with  an  air  of  perplexity  not  usually  witnessed  on  his 
kindly  countenance,  which,  if  kissed  by  the  sun's 
heat  into  a  proper  brownness,  also  retains  much 
of  the  sun's  light  in  its  steady,  illuminating  smile. 
Said  he,  "I  am  in  a  fix.  I  have  been  at  Chicopee 
Falls  assisting  in  a  protracted  meeting  with  sister  Van 
Cott  I  asked  her  to  come  and  preach  in  my  church. 
She  consented,  and  agreed  to  begin  next  Sunday ;  and 
now  I  have  just  received  this  note  from  her."  He 
read  the  note,  which  asked  him  to  get  board  for  her 
among  her  people.  Then  he  added,  "I  have  been 
telling  my  Church  that  she  was  not  like  the  rest  of  the 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

white  folks,  that  she  would  not  regard  our  color  with 
any  dislike,  or  treat  us  any  differently  from  other  peo- 
ple. They  said  they  did  n't  believe  it,  she  was  just 
like  all  the  rest  of  them;  and  here  comes  this  note, 
confirming  their  opinions.     What  shall  I  do?" 

"Write  her  instantly  not  to  come,"  was  the  advice 
given.  "  Do  n't  disgrace  yourself  by  any  humiliations 
such  as  this  prejudice  demands." 

He  was  wiser  than  his  adviser,  went  to  a  desk,  and 
soon  returned  with  a  note  very  nearly  as  follows : 

"Dear  Sister, — I  don't  know  who  your  people  are.  When 
the  Lord  Jesus  comes  to  us  he  stops  at  my  house.  If  you  can 
not  accept  like  quarters  I  have  no  others  to  offer.  Please  let  me 
know  your  answer  by  telegraph. 

[Signed,]  "J.  N.  MARS." 

That  keen  thrust  did  not  need  a  second.  This  was 
Friday.  She  received  the  note  Saturday  morning,  tel- 
egraphed instantly  that  she  would  be  present,  and  that 
night,  probably  for  the  first  time,  stayed  in  the  humble 
parsonage  of  a  colored  brother,  with  whom  she  faith- 
fully and  sacrificially  labored  for  two  weeks. 

His  "  people  "  never  saw  any  sign  of  the  wicked 
contempt  of  the  "  pale-faces  "  in  her  words  or  manner. 
She  went  among  that  congregation  as  if  it  were  the 
Fourth  Avenue  society.  She  put  her  arm  around 
the  necks  of  those  young  men  and  women,  calling 
them  "my  son,"  "my  daughter,"  as  thoughtless  of  the 
cruel  and  criminal  feeling  of  most  white  ministers  as 
was  the  Holy  Spirit  which  was  working  together  with 
her  in  their  troubled  breasts.     She  walked  the  streets 


INTRODUCTION.  Xf 

daily  to  and  from  church  by  the  side  of  the  pastor,  as 
fine  a  lady  in  looks  and  manners,  with  as  fine  a  gentle- 
man as  trod  any  of  its  sidewalks  at  the  same  moment 

This,  too,  it  should  be  noticed,  was  not  done  by  a 
New  England  woman,  who  had  been  dinned  her  life 
long  with  talk  on  the  equality  of  all  men,  and  who 
stiffened  herself  up  to  the  discharge  of  a  duty,  how- 
ever irksome,  by  this  pressure  of  conscience  and  con- 
viction, or  who  had  grown  into  this  grace  by  this  true 
culture,  as  many  of  her  men  and  women  have  grown. 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  was  a  New  York  city  lady  born  and 
bred.  Her  atmosphere  had  never  been  filled  with 
these  agitations.  She  had  been  taught  to  look  on 
these  biethren  and  sisters  as  of  another  race.  The 
idea  of  social  intimacy  with  them  had  never  entered 
her  mind.  She  as  innocently  asked  for  a  separate 
boarding-place  as  she  would  have  asked  for  a  sepa- 
rate room. 

But  the  instant  that  arrow  from  the  Lord  Jesus 
struck  her  heart  her  strong  nature  yielded  entirely — 
never  a  reserve,  never  a  question.  "  It  is  the  Lord ; 
I  am  the  Lord's."  And  the  flying  telegram  was  not 
so  swift  in  its  leap  of  a  hundred  miles  as  was  her  soul 
to  hear  and  answer,  "  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the 
Lord  j  be  it  unto  me  even  as  thou  wilt."  Such  an  act 
stamped  her  as  of  a  very  high  order  of  nature.  She 
had  nobility  of  blood.  The  petty  critics  might  yet 
censure  her  work  and  words ;  they  could  not  her  char- 
acter. In  that  she  left  their  contempt  and  conduct 
equally  far  behind. 


XVI  INTRODUCTION, 

The  lady  who  commenced  her  labors  in  the  city  of 
Boston  in  an  African  church,  is  fair  to  look  upon, 
of  .large  frame,  of  full  form,  of  small,  delicate  feat' 
ures,  light,  clear  complexion,  an  eye  of  melting  blue, 
with  the  pose  and  ease  of  a  queen  of  the  drawing- 
room.  Her  dress  is  elegant  to  the  top  of  propriety, 
but  not  a  whit  beyond.  Not  one  lady  in  a  thousand, 
if  one  in  ten  thousand,  equals  her  in  that  French 
"  how  to  do  it "  gift  of  appropriate  dress,  at  once  indi- 
vidual and  general,  unnoticed  and  most  noticeable. 
The  chief  of  the  interviewers  and  bureau  men  of  the 
country,  the  founder  of  the  first  and  the  expander  of 
the  second,  who  knows  more  public  men  and  women 
than  any  other  person  in  America,*  remarked  to  the 
most  popular  of  our  lady  speakers,  "  Mrs.  Van  Cott  is 
the  best-dressed  woman  that  appears  on  the  platform. 
She  is  not  overdressed,  nor  dowdily  dressed,  nor  com- 
mon and  indifferent  in  her  appearance,  but  she  is  per- 
fectly dressed."  This  is  true,  and  this  is  no  small 
commendation.  It  shows  the  womanly  elegance  of 
her  nature.  It  disarms  criticism  as  to  her  boldness 
in  entering  the  pulpit,  and  her  modes  of  discourse 
and  of  appeal,  by  which  she  wins  such  multitudes  to 
Christ.  She  is  mistress  of  their  eyes  before  she  opens 
her  lips.  Grace  is  in  her  face  and  her  apparel.  As 
becomes  the  king's  daughter,  "  all  her  garments  smell 
of  myrrh,  and  aloes,  and  cassia."  They  conform  to 
the  laws  of  beauty  and  propriety. 

But  some  may  say,  "Why  dwell  on  these  outward 

•  James  Redpath  to  Anna  Dickinson. 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

traits?  What  have  they  to  do  \\ith  her  career  as  an 
evangelist?  Is  she  fit  to  preach?  Can  she  preach 
because  she  will  swallow  down  her  prejudice,  perhaps 
under  the  impulse  of  a  false  ambition,  or  because 
she  wears  goodly  raiment  in  a  goodly  manner?"  Nay, 
but  if  tnese  show  both  strength  and  womanliness  they 
are  two  grand  essentials  to  success.  The  first  proves 
she  follows  dut}'  unflinchingly,  as  soon  as  it  is  revealed, 
almiost  unconsciously ;  the  second  that  she  never  for- 
gets her  ladyhood  in  this  boldness  of  daring.  They 
are  typical  of  her  whole  career.  She  rarely  does  a 
new  thing  until  it  is  suggested  by  others,  and  then  she 
does  it  with  a  swiftness  and  a  propriety  that  make  it 
both  a  triumph  and  a  delight. 

She  refused  to  attend  class-meeting  until  a  few 
years  ago,  because  she  said  it  was  a  shame  for  a 
woman  to  speak  in  such  places.  Enticed  to  one  by 
an  invitation  to  sing,  and  a  promise  that  she  should 
not  be  compelled  to  speak,  she  broke  forth,  on  the 
privilege  being  offered,  in  a  fullness  of  testimony  and 
power  that  carried  all  the  class  captive,  and  at  once 
made  her  leader  of  the  leader.  When  asked  to  let 
her  daughter  go  to  a  mission  at  Five  Points  to  play 
th-e  piano,  she  said  to  herself,  "Why  not  go  with  her?" 
and  no  sooner  said  than  she  was  off  When  urging 
the  pastor  of  this  dying  mission  to  revive  it  by  more 
frequent  meetings,  and  was  told  that  she  only  could 
make  them  live,  she  accepted  the  unexpected  burden 
instantly,  and  crowded  them  every  night  in  the  week. 
When  told  by  i  friend  in  the  country  back  of  New- 


XVIH  INTRODUCTION. 

burg,  who  knew  of  her  success  in  this  city  work,  that 
she  must  preach  to  the  scattered  hamlet,  she  replies, 
"  Preach  ?  impossible !  I  preach  ?"  But  the  reply  is, 
"  What  is  that  but  what  you  do  in  New  York,  except 
to  take  a  text?"  She  sees  it,  and  enters  the  school- 
house,  takes  a  text,  and  the  house  is  far  too  strait  for 
the  crowds  that  t^ong  it.  "You  must  go  to  a  little 
church  near  by,"  says  her  friend.  She  goes.  The 
platform  is  far  from  the  light.  Her  eyes  fail  to  see 
the  hymns.  He  whispers,  "Go  into  the  pulpit." 
"Horror!"  again  leaps  first  from  her  lips;  "I  in  a 
pulpit?  Never!"  The  sober  second  thought  rushes 
after  the  first,  and  she  thinks,  "What  is  a  pulpit  but 
a  place  where  the  speaker  better  sees  the  audience 
and  the  audience  the  speaker?"  And  up  she  enters, 
never  to  leave  it  until  her  work  is  done. 

In  that  section  hundreds  are  converted  under  her 
preaching.  The  ministers  say,  "You  must  attend  to 
this  work  all  the  time."  "  I  can  not,"  she  answers ; 
"my  business  is  on  my  hands  ;  I  must  get  my  living." 
But  she  follows  the  voice,  gives  up  a  lucrative  busi- 
ness, and  devotes  herself  wholly  to  the  work.  They 
say,  "You  must  be  licensed  as  a  local  preacher." 
Again  she  objects,  again  submits.  Thus  every  step 
in  her  public  career  has  been  forced  upon  her,  and 
thus  every  step  has  been  a  victory. 

It  is  not  our  purpose,  nor  have  we  space  here,  to 
discuss  the  questions  involved  in  the  labors  of  this 
elect  lady.  That  they  have  taken  the  Church  by  sur- 
prise is  true.     It  did  not  expect  to  have  this  duty  set 


INTRODUCTION.  XW 

before  its  face.  It  did  not  dream  that  it  would  be 
called  to  license  women  as  preachers,  to  ordain  them 
as  such,  to  station  them  as  such.  The  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  and  all  its  affiliated  branches,  as 
•jveil  as  its  parent  stock,  give  women  large  liberty 
Ir.  its  services.  Born  of  a  woman — Susanna  Wesley 
being  almost  as  directly  the  mother  of  Wesleyanism 
as  of  Wesley — it  from  the  start  encouraged  woman  in 
all  works  of  spiritual  activity.  She  was  active  in  the 
visitations  of  hospitals,  prisons,  alms-houses,  poor  and 
neglected  people.  She  participated  freely  in  all  social 
meetings,  of  which,  like  the  land  of  the  rich  man,  this 
new  movement  "brought  forth  abundantly."  She  was 
organized  into  classes  and  band-meetings,  where  she 
was  required  to  speak  and  pray.  She  knelt  around 
the  altar,  and  poured  forth  her  strong  cries  and  tears 
with  her  brothers  over  the  returning  prodigals.  She 
uttered  her  sweet,  love-feast  testimonies  in  perfect 
oneness  with  her  leaders  and  her  brethren.  In  fine, 
there  was  not  a  single  department  of  the  service  of 
the  Church  in  which  her  silver  treble  did  not  chime 
in  with  his  manly  bass,  and  made  the  harmony  all  the 
richer,  except  possibly  in  the  purely  clerical  or  pulpit 
portion.  Here  an  attempt  was  made  to  draw  the  line. 
John  Wesley  had  recognized  uneducated  men  as  minis- 
ters, and  appointed  them  their  charges.  He  had  even 
made  unordained  men  ministers,  on  whose  heads  he 
dare  not  lay  his  own  hands ;  on  whose  heads  no  hands 
were  ever  laid.  They  filled  large  appointments,  did 
a  great  work  for  God,  and  obtained  a  good  report  a« 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

ministers  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  yet  died  as  they  had 
lived,  without  a  single,  formal,  ecclesiastical  recogni- 
tion as  clergymen.  This  was  done  in  hundreds  and 
probably  in  thousands  of  instances.  Hardly  a  score 
fy{  all  his  preachers  did  he  ordain,  and  these  only  near 
the  close  of  his  life. 

The  bold  discretion  that  ever  marked  this  mighty 
leader,  made  him  hesitate  against  too  much  liberty. 
He  had  enough  to  carry  in  this  burden  of  making  into 
popular  and  regular  clergy  those  whom  Sydney  Smith, 
seventy  years  after  this  had  been  going  on,  could  call 
"consecrated  cobblers,"  with  the  approval  of  all  fash- 
ionable Britain,  and  which,  had  he  called  them  "un- 
consecrated  cobblers,"  would  have  been  yet  more 
pleasing,  because  to  their  judgment  yet  more  true. 
Surely  Wesley  might  well  hesitate  before  casting  away 
all  barriers  and  admitting  women  as  well  as  men  to 
all  the  hedged-about  dignities  of  the  profession  and 
the  pulpit. 

Yet  he  scarcely  hesitated.  His  mother  had  harder 
work  to  make  him  let  Thomas  Maxfield  preach  than 
he  had  to  let  Mrs.  Fletcher  and  others.  His  latest 
life,  by  Tyerman,  relates  some  of  these  difficulties,  and 
his  usual  mixed  policy,  wrought  out  of  his  steadfast 
maxim,  haste  slowly.  In  1769  he  addresses  Sarah 
Crosby,  a  female  preacher,  a  note,  in  which  he  allows 
her  to  pray  and  exhort  in  public,  but  forbids  her  to 
take  a  text,  or  to  speak  continuously  over  five  or  six 
minutes.  Thirty-two  years  later  he  had  grown  in  wis- 
dom, or  events  had  grown  up  to  him.     A  Miss  Cam- 


INTRODUCTION.  xxi 

hridge  was  preaching  in  Ireland,  and  many  Method- 
ists, and  Methodist  preachers  even,  had  so  far  forgot- 
ten their  own  origin  as  to  oppose  her,  and  refused  to 
tolerate  her.  Whereupon  she  wrote  to  Mr.  Wesley, 
and  received  this  reply : 

London,  January  ^i,  1791. 
**My  Dear  Sister, — I  received  your  letter  an  hour  ago. 
I  thank  you  for  writing  so  largely  and  so  freely ;  do  so  always  to 
me  as  your  friend,  as  one  that  loves  you  well.  Mr,  Barber  has 
the  glory  of  God  at  heart,  and  so  have  his  fellow-laborers.  Give 
them  all  honor,  and  obey  them  in  all  things  as  far  as  conscience 
permits.  But  it  will  not  permit  you  to  be  silent  when  God  com- 
mands you  to  speak ;  yet  I  would  have  you  give  as  little  offense 
as  possible ;  and,  therefore,  I  would  advise  you  not  to  speak  at 
any  place  where  a  preacher  is  speaking  at  the  same  time,  lest  you 
should  draw  away  his  hearers.  Also,  avoid  the  first  appearance 
of  pride,  or  magnifying  yourself  If  you  want  books,  or  any 
thing,  let  me  know  ;  I  have  your  happiness  much  at  heart.  Dur- 
ing the  little  time  I  have  to  stay  on  earth,  pray  for 

"  Your  affectionate  brother,  John  Wesley." 

Thus  his  latest  words  confirm  the  spirit  of  his  ear- 
liest. He  who  had  made  all  England  accept  a  non- 
canonical  clergy  as  the  most  approved  before  God  and 
all  the  people  of  any  in  the  realm,  with  his  latest 
breath,  hardly  a  month  before  he  died,*  threw  the 
door  wide  open  to  all  those  called  of  God  to  this 
ministry,  and  answered  all  objections  of  his  own  fol- 
lowers, at  least,  if  not  of  any  in  any  Church,  who 
might  still  be  possessed  of  the  spirit  of  the  perse- 
cutors of  Miss  Cambridge. 

There  was  a  good  stroke  of  satire,  too,  in  his  advice 
to  her  not  to  preach  when  a  preacher  was  preaching 

•  He  died  March  2,  1791.     This  letter  was  written  Jan.  31. 


XXII  INTRODUCTION. 

at  the  same  time,  lest  "she  might  draw  away  his  hear 
ers" — a  stroke  not  inapplicable  to  some  modern  ob- 
jectors to  the  modern  Miss  Cambridge,  who  would  be 
sure  to  have  a  very  empty  house  if  they  should  dare 
to  hold  meetings  near  her  own. 

Methodism  has  ever  accepted  the  clear  leadings  of 
Providence.  Its  success  has  been  largely  because  of 
this  acceptance.  It  knew  not  what  would  be  on  the 
morrow,  but  did  know  that  whatever  the  Lord  then 
declared  should  then  be  done,  it  would  cheerfully  do. 

Has  He  called  women  to  preach?  That  is  the 
question,  and  the  only  question.  If  He  has,  every 
true  son  and  daughter  of  His  will  say  "  Amen.  So 
let  it  be.  Come  in  this  way,  if  so  Thou  wilt,  only 
come.  Lord  Jesus!" 

This  book  will  go  far  toward  answering  that  que& 
tion.  It  narrates  the  wonderful  works  of  God  done 
through  a  woman.  It  shows  how  she  captures  coun- 
try, and  village,  and  city.  East  and  West ;  how  multi- 
tudes come,  and  keep  coming,  to  her  services;  how 
hundreds  seek  Christ,  and  find  him,  under  her  skillful 
guidance ;  how  astonishingly  she  labors.  Day  and 
night  his  hand  is  heavy  upon  her.  The  zeal  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  eateth  her  up.  The  "hardest 
cases"  bow  to  her  entreaties.  Men  who  have  not 
been  inside  of  a  church  for  a  score  of  years  come, 
hear,  tremble,  fall  before  the  Lord,  and  come  forth 
new  creatures  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  her  fruit  remains. 
Not  all  of  it.  No  revivalist  gathers  up  perma- 
nently all  his  results.     John  Wesley,  in  one  of  his  last 


INTRODUCTION.  xxm 

tters,  writes :  "  To  retain  the  grace  of  God  is  much 
Miore  than  to  gain  it;  hardly  one  in  three  does  this." 
The  parables  of  the  sower  and  of  the  man  casting  a 
net  into  the  sea  are  proofs  that  this  is  the  law  of  re- 
vivals, as  announced  by  their  Divine  Author.  Sh.i 
scatters  this  seed  on  wayside,  rocky,  and  thom^- 
hearted  hearers.  She  brings  to  the  shore  all  sorts  of 
fish  ;  but  much  seed  falls  on  good  ground.  Many  fish 
are  caught  by  this  skillful  fisher  of  men  who  abide  in 
their  new  grace,  and  will  grow  in  it  unto  eternal  life. 
She  is,  without  doubt,  to-day,  the  most  popular,  most 
laborious,  and  most  successful  preacher  in  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church.  She  has  more  calls,  does  more 
work,  and  wins  more  souls  to  Christ  than  any  of  her 
brothers.  She  does  this  by  her  genius  and  her  faith. 
Genius  is  naught  without  faith ;  faith  is  not  all-power- 
ful without  genius. 

Her  sermons  are  not  finished  orations;  Peter's 
were  not,  nor  Pauls,  nor  Christ's.  It  is  doubtful  if 
any  true  Gospel  sermons  should  be.  Sermon  means 
conversation,  and  a  sermon  should  be  a  conversation 
on  Christ.  Her  learning  is  not  of  the  schools.  She 
knows  little  about  theology  as  a  science,  probably 
nothing,  scholars  being  judges.  She  never  had  the 
least  "  theological  education,"  so-called,  which  is 
often  an  education  without  theology.  She  never  was 
trained  to  public  speaking.  She  prepares  no  dis- 
courses, in.  the  usual  sense  of  pulpit  preparation.  Like 
Marc  Antony,  and  most  successful  platform  lead- 
ers, and  especially  all  our  early,  greatest  Methodist 


XX  i\  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

preachers,  she  only  "talks  straight  on."  She  tells 
"  them  that  which  they  themselves  do  know,"  shows 
them  their  sins  and  their  Savior.  She  is  as  dramatic 
as  Gough,  or  any  actor,  with  the  difiference  that  her 
pictures  are  as  original  as  her  delineations,  while 
theirs  are  simply  narrations  of  stories,  or  portraitures 
of  characters  others  have  formed.  Thus  she  tells  the 
story  of  Abraham  offering  up  Isaac,  so  that  all  feel  the 
knife  descending  upon  their  own  naked  flesh,  and  are 
as  relieved  and  delighted  as  Abraham  when  the  sub- 
stitute appears,  and  the  son  marches  down  the 
mountain  side  safe  to  his  mother's  arms.  She  paints 
the  Deluge  so  that  you  hear  the  windows  of  heaven 
opening,  and  the  rain  pouring  its  waves  on  the  roof 
of  the  ark,  the  ark  wherein  is  salvation.  When  Peter 
sinks  slowly  and  steadily  down,  the  audience  feel 
that  they  too  are  drowning,  and  each  shivers  in 
affright,  and  almost  bursts  forth,  for  himself,  in  the 
cry  of  the  apostle,  "Lord,  save,  or  I  perish  !"  Victor 
Hugo's  sinking  crews  are  not  so  powerfully  put.  Said 
a  frequenter  of  theaters,  "She  is  the  greatest  actor 
since  Fanny  Kemble !"  But  she  is  no  actor.  It  is 
dead  earnest  with  her.  Her  appeals  are  more  thrill- 
ing than  her  descriptions.  Nor  does  she  content  her- 
self with  pulpit  efforts.  These  are  only  preliminary  to 
liei  prayer-meetings,  and  altar  work.  She  is  over  all 
the  congregation,  addressing  every  one  she  can  reach, 
and  gathering  more  to  the  Lord  by  personal  address 
than  by  her  pulpit  portrayals  and  appeals.  She 
leaves  no  stone  unturned  to  save  souls.     Ceaseless  in 


INTRODUCTION.  XXT 

prayer,  spending  whole  nights  on  her  knees,  visiting 
from  house  to  house,  holding  meetings  all  the  day 
through,  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,  she  tires 
the  stoutest  man  with  her  immense  capacity  for  work, 
as  well  as  astonishes  all  by  her  ease  and  felicity  in 
doing  it. 

To  her  own  Master  she  stands  or  falls.  She  feels 
a  call  higher  than  any  of  earth.  She  obeys,  and  all 
recognize  its  authenticity.  She  has  made  a  name  in 
the  Church  annals  that  will  not  die.  She  has  done 
for  Christ  what  has  so  long  been  done  for  anti- 
christ— made  woman  his  public  helper.  People  can 
crowd  the  theaters  to  see  female  performers  of  high 
or  low  repute,  and  no  one  condemns  them  merely 
for  that  desire.  Lydia  Thompson  may  beguile,  with 
her  lascivious  troup,  myriads  of  young  men  to  ruin,  as 
she,  with  base,  "voluptuous  motions,  fires  the  blood  ot 
inconsiderate  youth."  Charlotte  Cushman,  Matilda 
Heron,  Ellen  Tree,  Fanny  Kemble,  all  the  good  or 
bad  actresses  of  the  stage,  draw  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands to  their  fascinations,  and  no  voice  objects  to 
them  because  they  are  women.  Songstresses  of  fame, 
for  a  century,  have  led  the  opera,  and  alone,  almost, 
have  made  it  attractive ;  not  one  male  voice  to  ten 
female  acquiring  distinction  in  this  sphere.  Ladies 
appear  at  last  on  the  platform,  and  all  the  world  runs 
after  them;  some  uttering,  in  graceful  words  and 
mien,  the  most  graceless  doctrine  of  devils,  and  scat- 
tering firebrands  of  hell  among  the  gunpowder  sensi- 
bilities of  society. 


Jtxvi  INTR  OD  UC  TION. 

It  was  time  that  fire  should  fight  fire ;  that  the  Lord 
should  choose  and  send  forth  his  daughters  to  offset 
these  daughters  of  error  and  sin,  and  to  bring  back  to 
Christ,  through  a  mother's  and  a  sister's  voice,  those 
who  had  been  led,  by  like  soft  tones  and  manners, 
into  a  ruin  that,  but  for  this  interposition,  had  been 
eternal. 

The  theater,  the  opera,  the  platform,  are  not  the  only 
sphere  for  woman.  The  Church  must  seize  and  sanc- 
tify this  gift.  It  must  not  let  the  devil  have  all  the 
good  female  speakers,  any  more  than  Charles  Wesley 
would  allow  him  to  have  all  the  good  tunes.  Turn 
this  battery  upon  him,  is  the  true  policy.  Make 
woman  draw  the  young  to  our  churches,  as  she  now 
draws  them  to  the  theater;  let  her  lead  them  to 
Christ,  as  she  has  led  them  to  Satan  ;  let  her  "  allure 
to  brighter  worlds,"  as  she  has  to  darker;  let  her 
save,  and  not  destroy.  Offset  the  demon  Woodhull 
with  the  saintly  Palmer  and  Van  Cott ;  make  the 
crowds  that  rush  downward  fly  upward;  put  out  the 
fire  of  the  pit  with  the  fire  of  God's  Spirit.  The 
Church  hears  this  word.  It  is  no  vain  boast  of  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  that  she  first  commenced  preaching  in  our 
centenary  year;  that  the  second  century  of  our  Church 
opened  with  ofiicially  recognizing  woman  as  a  cleiical 
teacher ;  that  two  Conferences,  among  the  most  in- 
fluential in  the  Church,  in  which  her  license  has 
been  given,  have  refused  to  censure  this  action  of  the 
local  and  originating  body;  and  that  from  Boston  to 
Chicago  she  has  triumphed  over  our  prejudice  and  our 


J N  TROD  CC  TIOS.  xxvi; 

opinion,  and  verified  her  right  to  her  Hcense  by  the 
multitude  of  seals  to  her  ministry,  many  of  whom  will 
be  her  crown  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

That  woman,  generally,  will  be  called  to  this  work, 
no  one  believes.  Man,  generally,  is  not  called  to  it: 
noi  is  woman  usually  led  to  other  spheres  of  public 
labor.  Few^  are  the  great  singers,  actors,  or  speakers. 
Few,  comparatively,  are  all  that  compose  these  classes. 
Her  sphere  is  chiefly  home,  and  will  ever  be.  But 
the  same  Spirit  who  made  Deborah  judge,  and  Hul- 
dah  prophetess ;  who  called  Phcebe  and  Priscilla 
into  the  ministry,*  and  made  the  daughters  of  Philip 
preachers  ;  who  descended  alike  on  male  and  female 

*  Tlie  Commentary  of  Adam  Clarke,  on  Romans  xvi,  12,  is  confirmatorj'  of 
tliis  view.  Tliiis  he  si>eaks  of  two  women  of  far  less  prominence  than  Plioebe 
and  Priscilla  (the  italics  are  his  own): 

''Trypheiia  and  Tryphosa,  two  holy  women,  who,  it  seems,  were  assistants 
to  the  apostle  in  his  work,  probably  by  exkorting,  visHiiig  the  sick,  etc. 
Persis  was  another  woman,  who,  it  seems,  excelled  the  preceding;  for,  of  her 
it  is  said,  she  labored  vmch  ifi  the  Lord.  We  learn  from  this  that  Christian 
women,  as  well  as  men,  labored  in  the  ministry  of  the  word.  In  those  times 
of  simplicity,  all  persons,  whether  men  or  women,  who  liad  received  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  truth,  believed  it  to  be  their  duty  to  propagate  it  to  the  uttermost 
of  their  power.  Many  have  spent  much  useless  labor  in  endeavoring  lo  prove 
that  these  women  did  noi  preach.  That  there  were  some  prophetesses,  as  well 
T^'?. prophets,  in  the  Christian  Church,  we  learn  ;  and  that  a  7vomn7i  might /mj* 
ox propJiesy,  provided  she  had  \\t.x  head  covered,  we  know;  and  that  whoever 
iiropJwsied,  spoke  unto  others  to  edification,  exhortation,  and  comfort,  St 
Paul  declares.  1  Cor.  xiv,  2.  And  that  no  preacher  can  do  more,  every  person 
nuist  acknowledge ;  because  to  edify,  exhort,  and  comfort,  are  the  prime  ends 
jf  tl  ?  Gospel  ministry.  If  women  thus  prophesied,  women  thus  preached. 
'1  hen?,  is,  however,  much  more  than  this  implied  in  :he  Church  ministry',  of 
which  men  only,  and  men  called  of  God,  are  capable." 

He  adds  this  last  sentence  as  a  sop  to  the  brethren  who  might  question  In'a 
previous  declarations,  tliough  he  is  careful  not  to  say  in  what  their  ministerial 
masculine  superiority  consists.  Certainly,  if  all  he  grants  tlvni  is  theirs,  uotb- 
fng  he  withholds  can  fail  to  follow. 


XXVIII  INTRODUCTION. 

at  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  made  them  all  speak 
with  other  tongues  as  He  gave  them  utterance — that 
Holy  Spirit  will  continue  to  call  His  daughters  into 
His  service,  and  give  them  such  proofs  of  the  authen- 
ticity of  the  call  as  the  most  unbelieving  shall  not  be 
able  to  gainsay  or  resist. 

Among  those  thus  called,  and  authenticated  by 
signs  following,  will  stand  forth,  in  deserved  honor, 
the  modest,  cultured,  Christian  lady  whose  labors  in 
the  Lord  are  briefly  set  forth  in  the  following  pages. 


Woman's  Place  in  the  Gospel, 


BY    REV.    D.    SHERMAN. 


MARKED  distinction  between  the  Gos- 
pel and  other  religious  systems,  is  seen  in 
the  place  they  assign  to  the  female  sex. 
The  old  religions  bore  the  male  type — 
were  established  for  man  as  distinctively  as  the  laws 
by  which  the  State  was  governed.  In  their  spirit 
these  earlier  systems  were  harsh,  and  often  cruel, 
lacking  all  those  milder  and  gentler  features  which 
are  attained  only  through  the  refining  and  elevating 
influence  of  woman.  Made  for  man,  they  caused 
woman  to  occupy  a  place  in  the  background,  or  to 
approach  the  sacred  ark  only  in  the  capacity  of  a 
menial. 

The  Gospel,  on  the  other  hand,  opens  to  woman  a 
new  sphere.  As  the  mother  of  our  Lord,  as  almoner 
and  succorer  of  the  faithful,  as  a  servant  and  teacher 
in  the  Churches,  and  especially  as  the  friend  and 
companion  of  our  Savior  in  his  trials  and  sufferings, 

XXIX 


3CXX  IVOA/J.V'S  PLACE  IN  THE  GOSPEL. 

she  becomes  invested  with  a  sacred  interest.  As  we 
open  the  record,  she  occupies  a  place  "in  the  front 
rank,  with  apostles  and  evangelists,  the  type  of  purity 
and  holy  love,  which,  as  an  atmosphere,  encircles  and 
hallows  the  new  Church.  The  names  of  Mary  and 
Elizabeth,  of  Phoebe,  Lydia,  and  Priscilla,  with  scores 
less  known  to  fame,  are  fragrant,  and  will  f^ide  from 
the  memory  of  the  Church  only  with  those  of  Peter, 
James,  and  John. 

Christianity  is  emphatically  the  Gospel  of  woman. 
It  takes  the  female  type,  and  exalts  the  humaner  and 
feminine  virtues.  In  the  old  religions,  as  the  repre- 
sentatives of  male  vigor,  force  and  bravery  stood  in 
the  front,  while  in  the  Gospel  the  train  is  led  by  pa- 
tience, humilit}^,  gentleness,  meekness,  and  such  like. 
Woman  becomes  the  fittest  type  of  such  a  system. 
The  Redeemer  is  not  created  like  Adam,  nor  born  as 
other  men,  but  "made  of  a  woman,"  and  in  his  char- 
acter touched  largely  with  the  feminine  hue.  He  was 
not  what  the  world  counts  a  hero,  cold  and  stern, 
driving  through  the  earth  with  an  iron  energy,  crush- 
ing the  more  pliant  forms  of  humanity  beneath  the 
wheels  of  his  chariot;  but  with  the  intuition  of  Plato, 
and  the  higher  moral  courage  of  a  martyr,  he  joined 
tlie  gentleness  and  heart  of  a  woman. 

That  such  a  Savior  and  such  a  system  attract 
about  them  the  female  more  readily  than  the  male 
sex,  is  not  remarkable.  Man  feels  the  gentle  touch 
of  the  Gospel  only  when  some  of  the  dross  of  his 
character  has  been  purged  away;  woman,  in  a  natuif 


WOMAN'S  PLACE  IN  THE  GOSPEL.         xx\i 

moT'3  refined  and  spiritual,  is  reached  directly  through 
the  heart.  The  higher  place  also  assigned  to  woman 
in  the  Gospel  attracts  her  toward  it.  In  other  systems 
she  holds  a  place  below  man ;  in  this,  as  his  equal. 
There  is  but  one  platform.  She  may  choose  her  posi- 
tion as  well  as  man.  In  Christ  there  is  no  bond  or  free, 
no  male  or  female — all  ar*'  one.  This  is  the  Gospel 
ideal — the  end  to  which  the  Gospel  tends.  That  the 
end  was  not  reached  in  a  day  we  are  well  aware. 
God  is  in  no  haste ;  ages  often  elapse  in  the  evolu- 
tion of  his  plans  for  human  improvement.  It  took 
four  thousand  years  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  Gospel, 
and  it  seems  likely  to  take  as  much  longer  to  unfold 
the  germs  of  truth  planted  by  the  Savior,  into  the  va- 
rious forms  of  religious  and  social  life. 

In  effecting  these  changes  in  the  state  of  society, 
there  are  two  methods  in  which  it  would  be  possible 
to  proceed :  the  one  would  be  to  inaugurate  at  once 
the  new  ideas  ;  the  other,  to  introduce  them  gradually, 
and  almost  imperceptibly,  after  a  course  of  prepara- 
tion. The  one  would  be  likely  to  strike  men  with 
surprise,  would  infringe  on  their  customs,  violate  all 
their  ideas  of  propriety,  and  be  liable  to  be  resisted  by 
the  conservative  elements  of  society;  while  the  other, 
approaching  gradually,  after  a  series  of  preparations, 
would  seem  to  chime  in  with  the  movements  of  the 
age,  and  to  be  the  natural  and  inevitable  fruits  of  pte- 
ceding  practice,  and  hence  would  be  adopted  without 
violence,  or  at  least  vvith  less  violence  than  by  the 
opposite  method. 


xxxu         WOMAN'S  PLACE  IN  THE  GOSPEL. 

The  late  Emperor  of  Russia,  after  a  visit  to  West- 
ern Europe,  conceived  the  idea  of  ingrafting  upon  his 
own  empire  the  free  institutions  which  had  gradually 
grown  up  among  his  neighbors;  but  the  very  people 
for  whom  he  designed  these  benefits,  hitherto  accus- 
Ij'med  to  the  rigid  rule  of  despotism,  were  the  first  to 
interpose  obstacles  in  his  way.  Unused  to  reforms, 
he  did  not  understand  that  such  movements,  to  be 
successful,  must  follow  in  the  train  of  other  events 
which  have  made  for  them  a  path,  and  created  a 
favorable  sentiment  in  the  hearts  of  the  people.  It  is 
useless  to  sow  the  grain  till  the  ground  has  been 
plowed  and  mellowed  for  the  seed.  All  the  great  re- 
forms of  Europe  have  been  not  only  revolutions,  but 
gradual  ameliorations,  the  preparation  slowly  ap- 
proaching through  ages,  till  the  long  movement  culmi- 
nates in  a  sudden  enfranchisement,  a  great  uprising, 
which  w^e  call  a  revolution.  Ages  were  employed  in 
charging  the  mine  ;  a  chance  step  may  have  produced 
the  explosion.  Reforms,  undertaken  before  this  prep- 
aration and  readiness,  are  inevitable  failures ;  the 
leaders  may  have  the  truth,  but  they  are  ahead  of  the 
age,  and  march  on  without  followers.  He  only  is  a 
successful  leader  of  men  who  moves  with  the  masses. 
The  true  reformer,  like  the  practiced  traveler,  hastens 
slowly,  and  along  the  best  roads,  even  though  they  be 
a  little  longer. 

If  w^e  turn  back  the  pages  of  history,  we  shall  find 
that  the  Divine  method  of  reform  has  ever  been  thai 
of  gradual  preparation.     Moses  preceded  the  proph- 


WOMAN'S  PLACE  IN  THE  GOSPEL,      xxxiri 

ets;  the  prophets,  down  to  John  the  Baptist,  prepared 
the  way  for  the  Messiah. 

The  first  step  in  the  progress  was  to  announce  the 
principles  involved,  in  a  general  form,  and  without 
reference  to  the  specific  case. 

It  is  the  method  adopted  by  Nathan  when  he  ap- 
proached the  King  of  Israel ;  the  fair  bait  is  swallowed 
before  it  is  discovered  what  a  sharp  hook  it  incloses. 
In  the  abstract  nearly  all  men  will  assent  to  the  right, 
and  God's  plan  is  to  commit  them  to  the  principle 
before  learning  that  the  principle  trenches  on  some 
selfish  interest,  some  darling  lust,  some  idol  of  the 
soul. 

Having  gained  the  assent  of  the  judgment  and  con- 
science, he  would  lead  men  to  practice  on  this  line, 
and  then  when  they  approach  other  selfish  lines,  ihey 
will  find  themselves  pre-committed  to  the  right  side. 
At  first  they  may  revolt  from  the  path  of  self-denial, 
but  conscience  begins  her  tuition,  and  from  those  ad- 
mitted principles  conducts  the  mind  to  right  conclu- 
sions. 

On  this  plan  the  teachings  of  the  New  Testament 
proceed.  Take  the  case  of  war  for  an  illustration. 
Neither  Christ  nor  his  apostles  made  any  open  attack 
on  the  usage,  although  they  laid  down  principles  as 
the  basis  of  the  Gospel  totally  opposed  to  war.  The 
age  in  which  they  lived  was  not  prepared  for  univer- 
sal peace,  and  efforts  made  to  inaugurate  it  at  once 
would  have  resulted  in  a  more  terrible  state  of  war; 
but  as  the  world  advanced  in  the  practice  of  the  gen- 
3 


XXXIV        PFOMAjV'S  place  IN  THE  GOSPEL. 

eral  precepts  of  the  Gospel,  they  came  gradually,  anO 
by  a  few  minds,  to  appreciate  their  better  features,  and 
so  the  seeds  of  peace  were  permitted  to  germinate. 

Slavery  affords  a  like  instance.  With  three-quarters 
of  the  people  in  the  Roman  Empire  in  slavery,  the 
apostles  could  not  have  been  ignorant  or  indifferent 
to  the  institution.  What  strikes  us  as  remarkable  is, 
that  in  the  presence  of  this  gigantic  iniquity,  no  open 
attack  is  made  upon  it.  A  moment's  reflection,  how- 
ever, convinces  us  that  a  direct  attack  would  have 
proved  fatal  to  the  Church,  and  so,  in  the  end,  to  the 
cause  of  emancipation. 

Slavery  was  not  only  intrenched  behind  secular 
power,  but  also  in  the  ideas  and  habits  of  the  ancient 
world ;  and  before  it  could  be  removed  a  flank  move- 
ment was  required  to  change  the  convictions  of  men, 
not  only  in  palaces,  but  in  cottages.  While  yielding 
for  a  time  to  the  form  of  the  institution,  the  apostles 
laid  down  principles  which  cut  away  the  foundations 
of  the  system.  How  could  the  rude  servitude  of  the 
time  permanently  live  in  the  presence  of  the  Sermon 
on  the  Mount,  or  of  the  golden  rule,  or  of  those  prin- 
ciples of  equity,  of  law  and  justice,  which  lie  at  the 
ba-sis  of  the  Gospel?  No  man  was  to  be  master;  all 
were. to  stand  on  an  equal  footing  of  brotherhood. 

The  seed  sown  by  the  apostles  long  seemed  to  lie 
dormant ;  but  in  after  times  it  bore  fruit.  Begun  in  a 
sentiment,  it  grew  into  a  grand  movement,  which  has 
swept  through  the  ages,  renewing  the  face  of  the  earth. 
Who  now  doubts   that   this   indirect  method   is  the 


WOMAN'S  PLACE  hY  THE  GOSPEL.         xxxv 

wiser?  In  this,  the  most  effectual,  indeed,  under  a 
despotism,  the  on!}-  way,  did  the  apostles  oppose 
slavery  in  the  Old  World. 

The  same  method  was  adopted  in  the  case  of 
woman.  The  believer  in  the  elevation  and  right- 
of  woman,  on  opening  the  New  Testament  where  he 
would  naturally  expect  to  find  some  recognition  of  his 
views,  will  find  no  discussion  of  the  subject,  and  yet 
the  book  is  pervaded  by  principles  which  traverse  the 
whole  field  and  sanction  his  most  advanced  ideas. 
The  reason  for  the  silence  is  to  be  found  in  the  fact 
that  the  world  was  not  ready  for  the  discussion.  In 
the  East,  where  the  Gospel  was  first  promulgated, 
woman  held  a  low  place  on  the  social  scale,  public 
sentiment  had  become  familiarized  to  her  humiliation, 
and  many  preliminary  steps  would  be  required  before 
reaching  the  climacteric  points  of  discussion  of  to-day. 
Hence  the  apostles,  while  sedulously  performing  the 
duties  proximate  to  them,  remitted  those  ulterior  ques- 
tions which  are  now  looming  up  before  us  to  the  future 
ages  which  should  enjoy  the  practice  of  the  primary 
principles.  In  molding  society  they  proceeded  as  you 
would  in  the  education  of  your  son.  You  begin  with 
simple  and  general  principles,  and,  w^hen  these  are 
well  established  in  the  mind,  to  apply  them  to  solve 
the  various  problems  arising  in  the  course  of  investi- 
gation. No  one  would  think  strange  that  during  the 
first  month  3-ou  did  not  discuss  the  questions  of  the 
higher  mathematics  or  of  metaphysics.  Those  stud- 
ies are  only  deferred  till  the  pupil  has  mastered  the 


XXXVI      WOMAN'S  PLACE  IN  THE   GOSPEL. 

principles,  and  has  come  to  a  state   to  comprehend 
these  deeper  truths. 

Hence,  if  asked  whether  the  Bible  favors  the  ele- 
vation of  woman  as  taught  by  modern  reformers,  our 
answer  would  be  both  negative  and  positive.  If  you 
mean  to  ask  whether  the  apostles  raised  the  quest ion3 
now  agitated  among  us,  our  answer  would  be  in  the 
negative.  They  had  not  reached  these  more  advanced 
lessons.  They  did  not  ask  the  ballot,  for  they  did  not 
hold  it  themselves.  They  did  not  ask  that  she  might 
be  educated  at  college,  for  they  had  no  colleges.  In  a 
word,  they  did  not  touch  the  points  we  discuss  to-day, 
as  they  had  not  reached  them ;  but  at  the  same  time 
they  had  started  on  the  road  toward  them,  and  were 
solving  those  rudimentary  problems  which  would  uUi- 
mately  merge  in  and  solve  the  later  ones.  The  apos- 
tles began  the  elevation  and  education  of  woman,  and 
left  the  movement  to  flow  on  so  far  and  in  such  chan- 
nels as  Providence  and  the  current  of  events  might 
open  for  it,  thus  preparing  the  way  for  a  much  broader 
and  grander  work  than  they  themselves  were  permitted 
to  perform.  They  addressed  woman  as  a  responsible 
being,  elevated  her  status  in  the  family,  and  admitted 
her  to  the  Christian  assembly  on  the  same  basis  with 
the  man,  as  well  as  gave  her  a  mission  in  the  Church. 
These  points,  so  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  the  age,  nec- 
essarily led  to  the  greater  questions  of  our  own  time 
relating  to  the  position  of  woman  in  the  State  and 
Church.  Such  is  the  idea  and  design  of  the  Gospel, 
the  problem  to  be  wrought  out  in  the  long  ages  by  the 


IVOMAN'S  PLACE   IN  THE   GOSPEL,     xxxvii 

Church.  That  her  work  has  been  but  too  poorl)'  per- 
formed may  be  readily  admitted,  but  it  remains  as  true 
that  she  struggles  on  toward  this  goal  where  all  the 
people  of  Christ,  of  every  nation,  condition,  sex,  shall 
occupy  the  platform  of  equal  rights  and  privileges. 

In  glancing  at  what  has  been  done  in  this  line  by 
the  different  branches  of  the  Church,  we  can  not  fail 
to  see  that  the  Greek  and  other  Oriental  Churches 
have  been  most  recreant.  Instead  of  comprehending 
the  high  purpose  of  the  Gospel  with  which  they  had 
been  intrusted  to  elevate  all  classes,  they  began  a  ret- 
rograde movement  to  reduce  the  Gospel  to  the  level 
of  Oriental  ideas  and  habits.  Woman  was  not  allowed 
to  meet  in  the  assembly  with  men,  nor  to  perform  any 
conspicuous  mission  in  the  Church.  In  the  West  she 
fared  better,  though  here  the  Divine  idea  was  not  fully 
attained.  Woman  became  in  a  fuller  sense  a  respon- 
sible individual,  was  admitted  to  the  place  of  worship 
with  man,  and  in  various  ways  was  allowed  to  perform 
her  mission  in  the  Church.  In  the  Reformation  the 
cause  of  woman  was  still  further  advanced,  not  so 
much  by  any  direct  handling  of  the  subject  as  by  the 
general  principles  which  uplifted  the  whole  stratum 
of  society  and  thus  prepared  the  way  for  those  who 
should  labor  for  this  specific  cause. 

The  rise  of  Methodism,  more  than  any  preceding 
religious  uprising  since  the  apostolic  days,  contributed 
to  the  solution  of  the  woman  question  in  its  ecclesias- 
tical relations.  The  societies  afforded  her  an  ample 
sphere  of  usefulness.    In  the  class  and  social  meetingjs 


xxxvili  WOMAN'S  PLACE  IN  THE   GOSPEL. 

she  was  called  to  improve,  and  in  many  cases  allowed 
to  hold  services  and  exhort,  which  is  the  next  step  to 
preaching.  Even  the  latter  privile^ge  was  not  denied 
to  those  who  evinced  a  Divine  call  to  the  work.  But 
the  early  Methodists,  though  they  entered  on  the  right 
road  in  the  treatment  of  woman,  left  much  to  be  done 
by  their  successors.  They  opened  to  her  the  social 
meetings,  and  gave  her  other  fields  of  labor,  while  it 
remains  for  us  to  carry  forward  the  movement,  and  to 
admit  her  fully  to  the  privileges  of  the  pulpit.  That 
the  time  has  come  to  take  this  latter  step  seems  to  be 
indicated  by  the  fact  that  women  begin  to  hear  the 
Divine  call,  of  which  sister  Van  Cott  is  a  notable 
instance. 

The  appearance  among  us  of  so  remarkable  a 
woman  may  be  regarded  as  the  heralding  of  a  new 
phase  of  our  dispensation.  With  some  defects  she 
joins  commanding  qualities  well  worthy  of  note. 
With  a  fine  figure  and  presence,  a  countenance 
rotund  and  rubicund,  expressive  of  an  exuberance 
of  good  nature,  she  unites  some  rare  mental  traits. 
The  hale  and  joyous  spirit  beaming  on  her  counte- 
nance diffuses  itself  at  once  through  the  audience  as 
she  rises  to  speak.  Like  a  woman,  she  speaks  out 
of  the  heart,  and  by  means  of  a  vivid  imagination 
pictures  before  the  audience  the  scenes  she  wishes  to 
present,  and  then,  with  the  happiest  tact,  gives  point 
to  her  lesson  so  as  to  lead  men  to  Christ.  With  a 
peculiar  combination  of  modest)'  and  boldness,  she 
stands  before  the  congregation  self-possessed  and  like 


fi^'OAf^A'^S  PLACE  IN    THE   GOSPEL.      xxxix 

a  skillful  player  on  an  instrument,  ready  to  evoke 
whatever  tune  she  may  choose.  Like  all  great  lead- 
ers, she  has  the  power  of  attaching  to  her  "as  with 
hooks  of  steel "  whole  troops  of  people.  She  pos- 
sesses many  of  the  qualities  that  distinguish  Henrv 
Ward  Beechev  —  bold,  imaginative,  electrical  —  often 
carrying  an  audience  into  the  wildest  enthusiasm  by 
a  single  dash  of  her  wand.  With  a  tact  to  meet  all 
emergencies,  she  exhibits  the  resources  of  a  great 
general,  and  employs  them,  not  to  please,  but  to  save 
men ;  and  that  her  labors  have  been  crowned  with  the 
Divine  favor  can  be  doubted  by  no  one  acquainted 
with  her  hisLory.  Why  should  not  such  a  woman  be 
clothed  with  the  full  powers  of  the  ministry? 


y 


iFE  AND  Labors 


y- 


Mrs.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT 


CHAPTER   I. 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  HOME. 


^SiAGGIE  NEWTON  was  bom  in  the  city 
\^^  of  New  York,  March  25,  1830. 

William    K.    Newton  and    Rachel  A. 


Primrose,  her  parents,  were  natives  of  the  same 
city.  The  father  was  a  gentleman  of  rare  dignity, 
gentle  temperament,  full  of  mirth  and  good-hu- 
mor— a  fine  specimen  of  an  Englishman. 

The  mother  was  of  Scotch  descent,  gentle  to 
the  children,  but  very  commanding,  possessing  a 
fiery  temperament,  high  impulsive  energy,  with 
perseverance  enough  for  any  emergency. 

William   P.   Primrose,  the  grandfather  on  the 


2  MA'S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

mother's  side,  was  a  generous,  humane  Scotch- 
man of  great  worth.  Maggie  received  her  first 
impressions  of  Methodism  while  nestling  on  his 
bosom  in  the  early  years  of  childhood,  he  being, 
of  all  the  relatives,  the  only  Methodist.  From 
him,  one  star-lit  evening,  she  received  her  first 
lesson  of  heaven  and  the  angels.  He  taught  her 
many  beautiful  hymns,  among  which  was  that  one 
of  so  many  childhood  memories, 

"  Twinkle,  twinkle,  little  star,"  etc. 

Then,  with  his  clear,  strong  voice,  the  faithfui 
Christian  would  sing  that  good  old  hymn, 

"  When  I  can  read  my  title  clear,"  etc. 

The  impressions  of  those  hallowed  hours  were 
never  forgotten.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Wil- 
lett-Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  many 
years,  and  lived  in  the  steady  light  of  the  Gospel 
of  Christ,  loved  by  all,  and  faithful  in  Christian 
duties  to  the  end  of  life. 

During  the  dreadful  cholera  of  1832,  when  thou- 
sands fled  from  New  York  city,  he  fell  under  its 
stroke.  The  room  of  the  sufferer  seemed  to  be 
filled  with  angels,  and  he  frequently  called  the 
attention  of  the  family  to  the  unseen  messengers 
surrounding  his  couch.  As  he  passed  away  a 
light  from  heaven  flooded  his  beautiful  counte- 
nance  and   left   a   lingering   halo.      There  were 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  HOME.  3 

many  sincere  mourners  at  that  funeral,  despite  the 
ravages  of  the  disease,  and  the  house  of  God  was 
fiJled  to  overflowing. 

The  grandmother  was  of  English  origin,  retir- 
ing in  manners,  and  a  perfect  lady.  It  was  quite 
an  event  for  the  grandchildren  when  invited  to  her 
elegant  home  ;  all  that  heart  could  desire  was  there 
in  abundance.  Maggie,  being  the  eldest  grand- 
child, was  a  wonder  among  the  circle  of  relatives. 
Those  parlors  frequently  echoed  with  little  foren- 
sic displays,  which  were  the  subject  of  many  re- 
marks by  the  kindred.  The  aged  grandma  was 
not  religious,  and  if  some  youthful  displays  not 
wholly  religious  were  indulged  in  by  the  children, 
no  check  was  ever  interposed.  In  March,  187 1, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-four,  she  passed  to  that 
throng  from  whence  no  tidings  return. 

William  K.  Newton  was  a  man  of  fine  stature, 
military  bearing,  and  for  a  number  of  years  com- 
mander of  the  National  Grays,  a  military  body  of 
New  York  city.  He  bore  the  title  of  Major,  and 
when  on  parade  wore  a  splendid  uniform  As  a 
mark  of  esteem  he  was  presented  with  a  costly 
Rword  by  the  members  of  his  command.  He 
gave  them  frequent  entertainments  at  his  own 
home,  and  after  the  scenes  of  the  day  were  passed, 
a  grand  waltz  would  ensue,  led  by 

"  The  pipe  and  the  tuneful  string." 


4  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  elegant  mansion  was  almost  constantly 
thronged  with  gay  company,  dinners,  and  dancing 
parties  being  the  general  order  of  the  day. 

Mr.  Newton  was  for  a  number  of  years  in 
charge  of  the  real  estate  of  Peter  Lorillard,  a  to 
bacconist.  Isaac  Greenwood,  a  retired  gentle- 
man, intrusted  to  his  hands  a  large  real  estate 
brokerage.  He  was  in  the  employ  of  John  Jacob 
Astor  for  a  term  of  years,  and  had  the  oversight 
of  his  immense  real  estate.  Nature  had  done 
much  for  him  ;  he  was  a  man  of  princely  bearing, 
with  dark-brown  hair,  blue  eyes,  and  a  charming 
voice.  In  business  he  was  rapid,  correct,  and  pre- 
cise. On  his  return  home  from  the  office,  he  was 
always  greeted  by  his  companion  at  the  door,  and 
after  mother,  there  followed  a  general  scramble 
by  the  children  for  the  next  kiss.  The  heavy, 
rounds  of  duty  generally  occupied  the  week,  but 
when  the  holy  Sabbath  came,  all  the  family  was 
punctual  in  attendance  at  the  Church  of  the 
Epiphany. 

Maggie,  "  the  idol,"  at  six  years  of  age,  was 
able,  of  course,  to  do  any  thing  a  child  could  ac- 
complish. She  led  the  singing  at  home,  and  hci 
strong  voice  in  the  choir  cut  its  way  through  the 
deep  tones  of  the  organ,  and  was  heard  all  over 
the  church.  The  proud  father  stood  by  her  side, 
and  touched  the  deeper  bass  notes  with  the  great- 


PA  REN  TA  GE  AND  EA  RL  Y  HOME.  5 

est  ease.  On  the  way  home  from  the  house  of 
God,  the  first  confectionery  store  found  open  was 
sure  to  receive  a  large  order  for  candies,  and  the 
four  children  enjoyed  a  Sabbath  afternoon  in  a 
style  wholly  to  their  own  liking.  The  well-stored 
cellar  yielded  an  abundant  supply  of  apples,  while 
in  the  garrets  were  found  hickorynuts,  walnuts, 
and  whatever  else  could  give  comfort  and  joy. 
The  care  of  training  the  children  rested  almost 
wholly  on  the  mother.  At  the  age  of  eleven,  it 
became  necessary  for  Maggie  to  be  confirmed, 
according  to  the  rules  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
Her  father  conducted  the  necessary  preparations; 
and,  as  she  was  kneeling  at  the  altar,  and  just  as 
the  bishop  pronounced  the  last  words  of  the  usual 
ritual,  she  fainted,  and  was  tenderly  carried  by 
her  father  to  their  pew.  The  Sabbath  following 
she  partook,  for  the  first  time,  of  the  holy  sacra- 
ment. The  choir,  led  by  the  sweet-toned  organ, 
rendered  in  fine  style  good  old  St.  Martins,  to  the 
93d  hymn  in  the  Episcopal  collection, 

"  Thou,  God,  all  glory,  honor,  power,"  etc. 

Maggie's  health  failed  about  this  time,  and  she 
was  sent  to  Almira,  N.  Y.,  for  a  few  weeks, 
thence  to  Southport,  Conn. ;  but  nothing  relieved 
the  supposed  disease  of  the  heart.  The  horrid 
drugs  given   her  had    no   effect  in  removing  the 


6  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  C0T7\ 

cause,  which  was  simply  that  of  chewing  slate- 
pencils.  She  revealed  the  secret  to  no  one, 
save  the  young  gentleman  who  was  waiting  upon 
her,  who  brought,  every  evening,  a  bunch  of  candy 
and  slate-pencils,  which  were  generally  disposed 
of  during  the  following  day.  Her  mother  gave 
her  spending-money,  to  purchase  whatever  she 
might  desire,  which  was  usually  divided  between 
slate-pencils  and  candy,  the  children  receiving  the 
latter.  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  during  all  this 
time  of  suffering  she  retained  her  clear,  strong 
voice,  and  delighted  in  singing.  Under  these 
many  discouraging  circumstances,  her  studies 
progressed  slowly,  though  she  had  a  very  retent- 
ive memory,  and  usually  made  rapid  progress 
whenever  her  mind  was  applied.  She  had  an  un- 
quenchable thirst  for  history,  and  read  volume 
after  volume  rapidly.  She  led  her  class  in  math- 
ematics, and  grammar  came  almost  by  intuition. 
It  became  known  at  this  time  that  she  was  en- 
gaged to  be  married,  though  not  yet  twelve  years 
of  age,  to  the  same  young  man  who  furnished  the 
slate-pencils.  He  was  of  good  family,  a  custom- 
house broker,  and  turned  out  well  in  after  life. 
The  wedding  was  all  arranged,  clothes  ordered, 
and  a  trip  to  Europe  planned.  In  the  simplicit)^ 
of  her  heart,  she  revealed  the  secret  to  her  aunt, 
who  cai-i'ied   the  news  speedily  to  Mrs.  Nevvtor^, 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARL  V  HOME.  7 

who  set  herself  vigorously  at  work  to  break  up 
the  match  and  the  mother  was  victorious.  Sev- 
eral times  the  broken-hearted  lover  came  to  see 
Maggie,  but  the  mother  was  inexorable.  Beauti- 
ful bouquets,  and  large  Ha.vana  oranges,  were  left 
on  the  door-steps  for  several  weeks,  but  he  was 
never  permitted  to  see  her  again.  Some  fifteen 
years  passed,  and  while  crossing  the  river  on  a 
ferry-boat  one  day,  she  recognized  him,  but  he 
had  entirely  forgotten  the  features  of  the  delicate 
girl  in  the  strong  and  vigorous  lady.  He  was 
much  surprised  when  she  called  up  a  few  memo- 
ries of  other  days,  and  they  both  enjoyed  a  hearty 
laugh  over  their  youthful  adventures. 

The  homestead  at  this  time  was  thought  to  be 
haunted.  There  were  strange  and  hideous  noises 
around  and  in  the  house.  Doors  would  open  and 
shut,  footsteps  would  be  heard  in  the  hall,  and 
the  dog  would  spring  from  the  rug  and  bark  furi- 
ously ;  while  a  voice,  just  like  that  of  his  master, 
would  be  heard  quieting  him  ;  and  when  all  was 
over,  it  was  positively  known  that  no  one  had  en- 
tered or  gone  from  the  house.  On  other  occa- 
sions, at  night,  v/hen  all  was  still,  footsteps  would 
be  heard  on  the  stairs,  and  if  one  in  the  house 
arose  to  search,  the  sounds  continued,  and  would 
seemingly  rush  by,  and  up  the  stairway,  passing 
the  pefson  ascending.     RooniS)  securely  locked^ 


8  MRS.  MA  GGIE  NE  WTON  VAN  CO  TT. 

would  be  disturbed;  looking-glasses  were  taken 
carefully  from  their  hangings  and  placed  on  the 
floor ;  a  box,  at  one  time,  was  dashed  across  the 
room,  scattering  promiscuously  a  great  variety  of 
trinkets. 

About  three  weeks  after  this,  Willie  Newton, 
aged  nine  years,  was  playing  in  the  garden,  shov- 
eling snow,  when  suddenly,  as  he  threw  a  ball  in 
the  air,  exclaiming,  "  See,  pa !  see,  pa !"  he  fell 
backward,  struck  with  apoplexy.  He  was  taken 
into  the  house,  lingered  three  days,  and  died. 
During  his  short  sickness  the  house  seemed  again 
unusually  haunted.  The  large  folding-doors  would 
open  and  stand  ajar,  despite  the  lock  and  bolt,  or 
repeated  efforts  to  keep  them  closed.  This  curi- 
ous phenomenon  was  at  length  thoroughly  tested. 
The  mother  would  shut  and  bolt  the  doors,  wait 
a  moment,  but  as  soon  as  her  back  was  turned, 
the  unseen  power  would  promptly  open  them 
again. 

After  the  death  of  the  little  boy  the  home  was 
sold,  and  a  small,  neat  cottage  purchased  in  East 
New  York — now  Brooklyn — where  one  pleasant 
Summer  was  passed  entirely  free  from  all  hobgob- 
lins and  doleful  echoes.  In  the  Fall  Maggie  was 
attacked  with  intermittent  fever.  The  fearful 
sickness,  accompanied  with  spasms,  lasted  about 
one  month.     From  the  date  of  her  recovery  she 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  HOME,  9 

greatly  improved  in  health.  Later  in  the 
Fall  the  whole  family  moved  to  Williamsburg, 
Long  Island,  to  a  very  comfortable  home  on 
Grand  -  street,  between  Seventh  and  Eighth. 
Here  commenced  a  series  of  musical  entertain- 
ments, soireeSy  dinner  parties,  and  the  usual  festiv- 
ities so  attractive  to  the  young.  Among  the 
throng  now  and  then  appeared  Methodist  friends, 
whose  piety  shone  with  a  cheerful  light.  Little 
by  little  Maggie  heard  of  their  ways,  and  the 
charm  of  their  singing  in  church  services.  Now 
and  then  she  attended  the  Methodist  church,  but 
was  sure  to  be  severely  reproved  by  her  mother 
on  her  returifr^ 

On  the  corner  of  Ewen  and  Grand  streets  stood 
the  Gothic  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and 
next  to  it  her  father  had  purchased  a  house  in  the 
row  called  "  The  Fourteen  Buildings,"  which  re- 
moved the  family  some  two  miles  away  from  the 
Episcopal  church.  In  the  morning  the  long  walk 
was  taken,  but  in  the  afternoon,  or  evening,  being 
denied  the  privilege  of  attending  the  Methodist 
services,  Maggie  would  hide  herself  away  in  the 
cupola  of  the  house,  and  listen  to  the  songs,  earnest 
prayers,  and  vigorous  ministrations  in  the  church. 
Heart  yearnings,  stronger  than  can  be  imagined, 
were  constantly  hers,  during  four  long  years,  to 
attend   these    means  of  grace.       Several    se^'ere 


£0  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

chastisements  for  expressing  these  desires  only 
imbittered  her  Hfe  and  made  it  more  miserable. 

The  gentle-hearted  father  was  not  in  sympathy 
with  the  sternness  and  iron  will  of  the  mother, 
who  had  set  herself  resolutely  at  work  to  keep 
her  daughter  from  attending  the  glorious  revivals 
now  and  then  held  in  the  church. 

Thus  passed  the  early  years  of  childhood.  Girl- 
hood she  had  none  ;  the  discipline  of  home  had 
bridged  that  space  in  life,  so  that  from  her  sixth 
year  she  was  made  to  know  that  she  was  a  youn^ 
lady.  Other  children  romped  and  played  on  thi 
green  ;  her  younger  sister  and  brother  had  thei 
sports  and  plays,  but  she  had  none.  A  relish  for 
a  moment's  sport  was  so  effectually  destroyed  that 
at  last  she  came  to  prefer  the  society  of  older  and 
grown  persons. 


CHAPTER  II. 
MARRIED. 


^pljURING  the  Winter  of  1847,  at  one  of  the 
iSKl  evening  entertainments,  when  a  goodly 
''^^^^^^1  company  had  assembled,  there  appeared  a 


stranger,  tall,  strong,  and  vigorous,  with  light-brown 
hair,  large  blue  eyes,  and  in  every  way  worthy  of 
the  highest  regard,  his  sister,  a  beautiful  young 
lady,  accompanying  him.  She  was  no  stranger 
to  the  Newton  family,  and  took  this  occasion  to 
introduce  her  brother.  As  the  company  was  re- 
tiring, a  general  invitation  was  given  by  Maggie 
for  all  the  guests  to  return  on  the  same  evening 
of  the  ensuing  week.  At  the  door  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Newton  were  formally  introduced,  and  Maggie 
felt  .a  strange  thrill  from  the  parting  words  of 
Pcler  P.  Van  Cott  as  he  passed  over  the  thresh- 
old, accompanied  by  his  sister.  At  the  appointed 
time  they  were  all  at  Mr.  Newton's  again,  and 
when  a   quartette  was  wanted  Mr.  Newton   fur- 

ttished  the  bass,   Sarah  M.  Van  Cott   the  alto, 

II 


12  MRS,  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  CUj  4. 

Maggie  a  good  strong  soprano,  and  no  ricliel 
tenor  voice  was  known  in  all  the  circle  of  acquaint- 
ances than  that  possessed  by  Mr.  Van  Cott. 

His  visits  became  frequent,  for  the  entertain- 
ments were  not  abated  as  the  happy  days  flew  on. 
On  Christmas  evening  the  two  were  alone  in  the 
parlor.  The  usual  time  for  retiring,  as  a  rule  in 
that  house,  was  ten  o'clock,  but  was  overrun  by 
them  more  than  an  hour  that  night.  The  fire  had 
gone  out  in  the  parlor  ;  they  had  stepped  into  the 
dining-room,  when  suddenly  the  footsteps  of  Mr. 
Newton  were  heard  on  the  stairs.  Maggie's  heart 
throbbed,  and  she  was  very  fearful  of  the  result. 
On  entering  the  room  he  said — 

"  You  know,  my  daughter,  this  is  a  very  un- 
seasonable hour,  and  you  will  be  sick  to-morrow." 

**  I  think  it  will  not  make  much  difference 
now,"  answered  Mr.  Van  Cott  for  her,  and  while 
they  stood  talking,  Maggie  sped  from  the  room. 

"  Why,  you  are  getting  along  swimmingly," 
continued  Mr.  Newton.  "  I  do  n't  know  about 
your  coming  and  taking  away  Maggie  ;  she  is  the 
flower  of  my  flock." 

"  That  is  just  the  reason  I  want  her,"  replied 
Mr.  Van  Cott. 

While  this  conversation  was  going  on  Maggie 
stood  shivering  near  the  front-door,  awaiting  the 
result.     Soon  Peter  appeared,  and  when  the  fare- 


MARRIED.  13 

well  had  been  exchanged,  Maggie  ran  upstairs, 
and  when  passing  the  door  of  her  mother's  room, 
heard  her  call. 

"  Maggie  !" 

Trembling  with  fear,  Maggie  stopped  at  the 
call  of  her  mother.  The  old  lady  was  in  no  pleas- 
ant mood,  and  thus  berated  her  daughter : 

"  Beautiful  idea,  this  !  Beautiful  time  of  night, 
this  !  Light  burning  till  this  time  of  night,  and 
you  know  it 's  against  your  father's  orders,  and 
how  dare  you  disobey  ?  What  have  you  been 
talking  about  all  this  time  ?" 

With  downcast  eyes,  and  shaking  from  head  to 
foot,  Maggie  replied, 

"  Why,  ma,  Peter  proposed,  and  we  were  talk- 
ing the  matter  over." 

"Proposed  !  to  marry,  eh  !  For  heaven's  sake, 
what  next }  What  kind  of  a  home  has  he  got  for 
you  ?" 

"  I  do  n't  know ;  I  did  not  ask  him,"  was  the 
subdued  reply. 

"  Now  go  to  bed,  and  let  me  hear  no  more  of 
this." 

The  hours  of  that  night  were  spent  between 
hopes  and  fears,  but  her  mind  was  made  up  this 
time,  and  her  hopes  and  joys  were  not  to  be 
blasted.     In  the  morning  the  father  said, 

"So,  daughter,  you  have  really  made  up  youi 


14  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

mind  to  marry,  have  you  ?  What  are  you  going 
to  do  ?  Has  he  a  home  to  take  you  to,  or  any 
property  ?  You  know  you  have  a  good  home 
here." 

"  I  do  n't  know,  pa ;  I  suppose  he  has,"  said 
Maggie. 

The  mother  saw  in  a  moment  the  resolution  of 
the  daughter,  but  still  she  remonstrated,  and  said, 
"  Think  before  you  leap  ;  remember  you  are  not 
coming  home  any  more." 

"  God  helping  me,"  replied  Maggie,  "  I  never 
will." 

"  When  is  this  to  take  place  V  asked  the  mother. 

"  On  the  twenty-third  day  of  January,"  was  the 
prompt  reply. 

"  The  time  is  so  short  you  will  not  have  time  to 
prepare." 

The  time  was,  indeed,  short,  scarcely  a  month 
before  the  nuptials.  The  mother  turned  in  and 
helped  to  arrange  the  tivusseait,  and  when  the 
Sabbath  morning  pf  the  wedding-day  dawned,  the 
Winter's  sun  shone  brilliantly  on  the  newly  fallen 
snow,  but  Maggie  acted  like  one  in  whom  scarcely 
a  breath  of  life  remained. 

"  You  act  like  one  nearly  dead,"  spoke  the 
father.  Indeed  the  responsibility  of  the  great 
future  was  just  opening  upon  her  mind. 

As  the  day  wore  away  the  bridesmaids  came 


MARRIED.  15 

anJ  tendered  their  assistance,  and  the  mother 
was  never  more  loving  in  all  her  life.  The  even- 
ing arrived,  a  crowd  of  invited  guests  assembled 
in  the  front  parlor,  and  when  all  were  ready,  the 
great  folding-doors  were  thrown  open  by  the  col- 
ored servants,  and  about  eighty  persons  gathered 
around  the  well-arranged  group.  The  Episcopal 
clergyman  stepped  fotward,  and  used  the  whole 
service  as  found  in  the  prayer-book.  Mr.  Van 
Cott  responded  very  readily,  having  memorized 
the  part  pertaining  to  the  bridegroom.  When 
the  minister,  addressing  the  bride,  arrived  at  the 
v/ord  "obey,"  there  was  a  pause.  Maggie  had 
determined  to  skip  that  word,  but  the  mother  had 
been  in  consultation  with  the  minister,  and  three 
times  was  the  question  asked  before  the  trembling 
bride  said,  in  a  very  low  voice,  "  obey."  As  the 
solemn  words  were  heard,  "  Who  giveth  this 
woman  to  be  married  to  this  man  T'  the  father, 
taking  the  hand  of  his  daughter,  raised  and  kissed 
it  tenderly,  saying,  "  I  do." 

The  ceremonies  over,  then  came  the  congratu- 
lations, and  under  the  shower  of  blessings  the 
bride  came  near  fainting. 

At  this  moment  she  was  introduced  to  Mr.  Van 
Cott's  father,  one  of  those  great  and  good-hearted 
men  of  ruddy  complexion  and  aldermanic  propor- 
tions, who  was  brimful  of  mirth  and  joy  on  this 


1 6  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

grand  occasion.  The  only  son  and  idol  of  hia 
home  had  captured  the  "jewel "  from  Mr.  New- 
ton's ;  and  now  explanations  and  mutual  good- 
cheer  passed  around. 

In  the  midst  of  the  busy  hum  of  voices,  sup- 
per was  announced,  a  most  sumptuous  feast,  last- 
ing some  two  hours.  After  this  about  the  same 
time  was  spent  in  conversation  before  the  guests 
began  to  retire.  The  carriages  were  scattered 
around  for  several  squares,  and  were  especially 
thick  near  the  Gothic  Church.  The  whole  affair 
had  been  conducted  so  quietly  not  a  person  in 
the  neighborhood  suspected  the  wedding.  The 
moon  shone  brightly,  and  all  was  splendid  with- 
out as  the  last  carriage  drove  away.  A  few  mo- 
ments of  quiet  in  the  parlor,  and  then  the  good- 
nights  came.  Mr.  Newton,  addressing  Mr.  Van 
Cott,  said,  "  Peter,  you  have  my  treasure ;  show 
your  manliness  now  by  taking  choice  care  of  her." 

"Mr.  Newton,"  replied  the  bridegroom,  "I 
think  you  will  never  regret  having  given  her  to 
me." 

The  mother  then  had  her  say  :  "  Do  n't  let  me 
ever  hear  of  your  speaking  a  cross  word  to  her,  or 
she  will  walk  home  quicker." 

This  was  said  with  so  much  vim  that  it  was 
decidedly  amusing. 

The  colored  nurse  came  forward,  her  nead  en^ 


MARRIED.  \f 

compassed  with  a  huge  bandana  handkei chief, 
and  bowing  down  at  the  bride's  feet  and  taking 
her  hand,  said,  "  God  bress  you,  honey,  you  done 
gone  away  from  us  now."  Then  turning  to  Mr. 
Van  Cott,  "  God  bress  you,  Massa  Peter ;  you  got 
our  rosebud  now,  take  good  care  of  her." 

And  with  these  touching  scenes  the  wedding 
was  over. 

Next  day  the  happy  pair  departed  to  Mr.  Van 
Cott's  home,  where,  during  the  evening,  a  throng 
of  company  assembled.  The  next  afternoon  Mag- 
gie made  a  call  on  her  sister-in-law,  living  in  the 
adjoining  house,  when,  on  passing  the  threshold 
of  the  door,  she  slipped,  sprained  her  ankle,  fell, 
and  fainted.  Of  course  there  was  no  small  com- 
motion. The  husband  was  quickly  summoned, 
and  consciousness  being  restored,  Peter  remarked, 
"  There,  mother,  I  believe  I  am  sold."  This 
started  the  laugh,  and  all  anxiety  was  over. 

The  great  desire  to  be  with  her  husband  led 
the  wife  frequently  into  the  store  and  behind  the 
counter.  Her  fingers  could  show  the  delicate 
goods  more  readily  even  than  the  expert  clerks, 
and  her  mind  had  a  natural  business  turn.  The 
home,  the  place  of  business,  and  the  surroundings, 
made  life  seem  a  little  heaven  ;  and,  as  if  to  add 
to  the  joy  of  earth,  a  little  cherub  of  a  daughter 
was  born. 


1 8  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

There  was  rejoicing  in  both  homes  ;  Mr.  New- 
ton and  Mr.  Van  Cott,  the  grandfathers,  exchanged 
congratulations,  and  the  grandmas  were  possessed 
of  the  best  of  good  feelings.  In  about  four  weeks 
Mrs.  Newton  ordered  the  daughter  and  grand- 
child to  be  brought  to  her  home.  It  proved  a 
very  unfortunate  thing,  indeed,  for  the  young 
mother  caught  cold,  and  in  a  day  or  two  was  car- 
ried back  to  her  home,  and  for  six  months  never 
left  her  room.  The  sister-in  law  cared  for  the 
little  one  while  the  mother  was  afflicted.  A 
shadow  of  her  former  self  was  about  all  that  re- 
mained, when  at  length  health  and  strength 
slowly  returned.  Home  was  made  merry  by  the 
prattle  of  the  child  ;  the  days  g;lided  gently  by, 
and  life  put  on  its  sweetest  joy. 

During  the  Fall  Mr.  Van  Cott  was  engaged  for 
some  weeks  at  the  wharf,  purchasing  feed  from 
the  sloops  coming  down  the  East  River,  and  on 
one  raw,  cold  day,  caught  a  violent  cold.  He  re- 
turned home  quite  ill,  and  the  physician  being 
summoned,  pronounced  his  disease  varioloid,  in  its 
worst  form.  The  poison  in  his  veins  did  not  spre.i  1 
out  over  the  surface  of  his  body,  but  settled  on  his 
lungs.  From  that  time  pain  and  disease  was  his 
heritage.  A  year  passed,  and  he  continued  cough- 
ing so  violently  as  to  create  the  worst  fears.  On 
Christmas  day,  185 1,  the  family  all  gathered  at  Mr 


MARRIED.  19 

Van  Cott's,  the  grandchildren  having  a  splendid 
time.  Little  Rachel,  the  chubby,  rosy-cheekeo 
darling,  whose  form  and  complexion  were  all 
that  mortals  could  desire,  did  not  awaken  the 
next  morning  to  greet  pa  and  ma,  as  usual 
Her  face  was  burning  with  heat ;  and  whei. 
the  doctor  came,  he  quickly  pronounced  rhe 
disease  scarlet  fever,  of  the  most  malignant 
type.  Then  came  the  shadows  of  care  and  anx- 
iety. All  that  mortals  could  do  was  faithfully 
done,  but  still  the  little  sufferer  grew  worse,  hour 
by  hour. 

The  Dutch  of  Long  Island  have  a  curious  cus- 
tom of  "  shooting  the  devil,"  as  they  call  it,  on 
New-Year's-eve,  making  the  occasion  a  kind  of 
second  Fourth  of  July,  and  at  times  the  noise  in 
the  street  is  dreadful.  This  night  the  little  one 
was  dying,  and  the  moan  of  the  poor  sufferer  was 
in  strange  contrast  with  the  clamor  without. 
At  a  quarter  before  three  o'clock  on  New- 
Year's  morning  she  passed  gently  away  to  be 
with  Him  who  calls  the  lambs  to  his  side,  and 
carries  them  in  his  bosom.  The  entire  household 
was  in  deep  grief,  and  the  poor  mother's  heart 
rebelled. 

*'0  dear,  dear,  this  is  cruel,"  she  cried,  "cruel 
beyond  all  description  ;  there  is  sister,  who  has 
three  children  ;  why  did  not  God  take  one  of  them  } 


20  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  C0T7. 

He  knew  I  could  not  spare  my  child,  my  only 
child.  The  Bible  tells  of  heaven  being  bright ; 
I  am  sure  it  did  not  need  her  to  make  it  any 
brighter.  I  do  not  wish  to  see  the  sun  ever  shine 
again." 

"  Do  n't,  dear,"  said  the  husband,  "  do  n't  speak 
sc  ;  God  doeth  all  things  well." 

"  How  can  it  be  well }  I  do  n't  think  so  at  all. 
I  do  n't  want  to  see  his  sun  shine  again." 

Grandpa  Newton  was  wonderfully  stricken. 
Entering  the  room,  and  finding  his  daughter  so 
terribly  overcome,  he  endeavored  to  comfort  her 
by  saying, 

"My  child,  can  you  not  say  'the  Lord  gave 
and  the  Lord  has  taken  away,  and  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord  T  " 

"  How  can  I  say  *  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord,'  pa,  when  he  has  robbed  me  of  all  I  have 
on  earth .?" 

•*  My  child,  you  have  Peter  yet." 

"  Yes,  but  I  wanted  her,  too." 

None  can  describe  the  horrors  of  that  first 
night's  loneliness.  They  missed  the  little  prattler 
as  they  gathered  around  the  hearth-stone  that 
evening.  The  little  feet  that  had  been  wont  to 
come  and  leap  into  papa's  arms,  and  the  flaxen 
head  that  nestled  in  his  bosom,  while  pink  toes 
would  shine  from  under  her  night  robe,  and  the 


MARRIED.  21 

blue  eyes  turned  upward,  as  she  would  repeat,  in 
words  so  broken,  yet  tenderly  sweet, 

"Jempen  Jesus,  meeker  mild, 
Look  upon  a  little  chile. 
Pity  my  timpitilee, 
Helper  Lord,  to  comer  me," 

all,  all  were  gone,  and  only  gloom,  darkness,  and 
grief,  filled  the  heretofore  bright  and  happy 
home. 

When  Mr.  Van  Cott  went  into  the  store  the 
day  after  the  funeral,  he  saw  a  barrel  of  sand 
standing  where  she  had  so  often  played,  and  there 
were  the  prints  of  her  hands  yet  undisturbed. 
He  looked  at  them  for  a  moment,  but  came  near 
fainting  under  the  load  of  sorrow. 

In  a  few  weeks  the  grief  of  the  mother  some- 
what subsided,  and  she  was  again  full  of  mirth 
and  gayety.  Not  so  with  the  father  ;  his  grief  was 
deep  and  strong ;  and  grandpa  Van  Cott  never 
rallied  from  the  stroke. 

Days  of  joy  came  again.  In  1852  their  home 
was  once  more  gladdened  by  the  birth  of  another 
daughter.  In  this  beautiful  child  the  joy  was  no 
less  great  than  that  at  the  birth  of  Rachel. 

In  due  time  the  child  was  christened,  Sarah 
Ellen  Conselyea.  She  passed  through  the  ordeal 
of  childhood  without  any  peculiar  trials,  was  fall 
of  sprightliness  and  vitality,  and  possessed  an  en- 


22  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

tirely  different  disposition  from  that  of  the  sweet 
one  gone  before. 

In  September,  1853,  shadows  darkened  the 
home  again.  The  good,  the  generous,  noble- 
hearted  Mr.  William  K.  Newton,  suddenly,  with 
a  stroke  of  apoplexy,  passed  from  time  to  eter- 
nity. The  blow  on  the  family  was  very  severe. 
A  great  man  had  fallen,  and  the  profoundest  re- 
spect was  shown  to  his  memory  at  the  funeral. 
The  most  perfect  military  honors  were  paid  to 
the  departed.  The  effect  upon  Mrs.  Newton  was 
to  soften  her  nature,  and  cause  her  to  cling  more 
closely  to  her  children. 


CHAPTER  III. 
NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFK 

HE  church  of  Mr.  Van  Cott's  choice,  and 
of  which  he  had  been  a  member  from  his 
youth,  was  distant  from  their  home  about 
one  mile.  Not  being  able  to  attend  services  here 
but  once  a  day.  Sabbath  afternoons  and  evenings 
were  not  occupied.  The  Episcopal  minister,  Rev. 
Charles  Reynolds,  called  and  suggested  the  hold- 
ing of  services,  and  asked  where  a  place  could  be 
obtained. 

"  I  can  get  the  ball-room  in  the  hotel,"  spoke 
Mrs.  Van  Cott,  knowing  full  well  that  the  owner, 
Colonel  William  Conselyea,  would  grant  such  a 
request. 

At  once  the  minister  left  an  appointment  for 
religious  services  on  Sabbath  afternoons,  if  the 
friends  would  assist  in  getting  a  congregation. 
This  they  promised  to  do,  and  also  practice  sing- 
ing, so  as  to  assist  in  that  part  of  the  services. 
Colonel  C,  Mr.  Van  Cott  and  wife,  and  a  few 
others,  worked  hard  on  the  chants,  none  having 

2% 


24  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

any  knowledge  of  the  usual  method  of  procedurCj 
save  Mrs.  Van  Cott.  When  the  time  arrived, 
some  seventy-five  attentive  listeners  were  present, 
and  with  borrowed  prayer-books,  the  exercises 
commenced. 

The  meetings  were  continued  until  a  vestry 
was  formed  and  a  church  edifice  erected  ;  but  in 
less  than  two  years  the  meetings  were  discontin- 
ued, and  the  building  sold  to  the  Baptists.  The 
same  singers  were  invited  to  continue  and  furnish 
music  for  the  new  denomination.  Faithfully, 
twice  a  day,  for  one  year,  they  continued  in  this 
good  work.  At  last  there  came  a  minister,  who 
definitely  informed  the  people  that  on  the  next 
Sabbath  he  would  administer  the  Sacrament  of 
the  Lord's-Supper,  and  he  wanted  it  distinctly 
understood  that  no  outsiders  should  partake,  be- 
cause they  had  not  been  baptized.  This  raised  a 
first-class  commotion,  immediately,  among  the 
singers,  who,  save  two  or  three,  were  members,  in 
good  standing,  in  other  Churches.  A  Methodist 
church  was  near  by,  which,  for  some  reason,  had 
been  locked  up  for  nearly  a  year,  and  the  subject 
was  discussed  of  starting  meetings  there  again. 

The  Colonel  wondered  some  at  Mrs.  Van  Cott*s 
zeal,  and  made  sport  of  the  whole  affair — of  theii 
singing  for  two  different  sects,  and  now  trying  a 
third.     But  she  plainly  informed  him  that  it  was 


AFAV  STRUGGLES  /.V  LIFE.  25 

her  intention  to  have  him  become  religious, 
though  at  that  time  she  knew  nothing  of  a  change 
of  heart  herself.  He  was  a  perfect  gentleman  in 
appearance,  but  now  and  then  a  bad  oath  would 
escape  his  lips,  which  was  sure  to  gi\e  him  sou  e 
uneasiness. 

The  newly-formed  society  flourished  gloriously, 
and  in  a  short  time  there  were  sev^eral  powerful 
revivals  held.  The  Colonel  became  deeply  inter- 
ested in  the  meetings,  and  at  last,  after  a  severe 
bereavement  of  a  son,  in  his  old  age,  he  gave  his 
heart  to  God.  The  ball  and  bar  rooms  passed 
into  other  hands,  while  he  became  a  valiant  de- 
fender of  the  cause  of  Christ. 

About  this  time  the  dry-goods  store  was  placed 
in  the  hands  of  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  and  it  was  stocked 
anew  with  finer  and  better  articles,  while  her  hus- 
band devoted  his  whole  time  to  taking  orders  for 
drug  houses.  The  dreadful  cough  still  lingered, 
and  he  frequently  spoke  of  the  pressure  upon  his 
lungs.  One  night  in  September  he  awoke  with 
violent  hemorrhage,  and  the  frightened  wife  ran 
for  the  doctor,  who  promptly  answered  the  call 
As  the  skillful  man  entered  the  house,  she  crie^l 

"  O,  doctor,  Peter  will  die  before  morning !" 

"  It  would  be  a  blessed  thing  for  him,"  he  re- 
plied, knowing  that  intense  suffering  awaited  him 
if  life  was  spared  for  a  few  months  only.     She 
5 


26  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

watched  nervously  beside  him  all  that  night  ;  her 
loved  one,  her  idol,  not  allowed  to  speak,  while 
darkness,  gloom,  and  the  horrors  of  desolation 
filled  her  soul. 

The  morning  dawned,  bringing  no  relief.  The 
Hemorrhage  continued,  causing  still  greater  pros- 
tration, till  he  was  unable  to  speak  above  a  whis- 
per. When  the  doctor  came  he  spoke  of  the 
changes  the  sufferer  would  undergo,  and  asked 
the  sorrowing  wife,  "  Will  you  then  believe  ? 
Eight  days  from  now  the  blood  will  change  to  a 
brick  color  ;  eight  days  more,  and  it  will  assume 
a  pink,  and  thus  will  wear  off  by  degrees."  These 
changes  all  came  in  the  regular  time,  as  stated  ; 
and  seeing,  she  believed.  As  one  by  one  the 
symptoms  improved,  she  exclaimed,  in  joyful  hope, 
"  He  will  live  !" 

Then,  for  the  first  time,  it  occurred  to  her  that 
the  finances  must  be  looked  after.  Business  had 
just  been  started,  some  debts  incurred,  and  the 
payments  must  be  met.  She  said  nothing  about 
her  plans  to  the  afiflicted  one,  for  he  was  too  weak 
to  even  listen  to  business  matters ;  but  she  re- 
vealed them  to  her  father-in-law,  who  said,  "  Now, 
do  n't  you  have  any  anxiety ;  as  long  as  I  have  a 
dollar  it  shall  be  yours."  But  this  did  not  satisfy 
her  independent,  anxious  spirit.  How  were  mat- 
ters to  be   run.?     The  store,  indeed,  brought  in 


NEW  SI  'A'  UG  GLES  IN  LIFE.  27 

enough  for  the  household  expenses,  but  notes  and 
accounts  were  coming  due.  She  dreamed  over  it, 
and  it  was  upon  her  mind  night  and  day  for  two 
months.  Meanwhile,  her  husband  began  slowly 
and  feebly  to  recover,  and  was  able  to  talk  over 
the  cares  now  pressing  upon  them.  She  hushed 
him,  saying,  "  You  must  now  leave  those  matters 
to  me." 

Every  possible  plan  was  thought  over,  and  at 
last  one  seemed  to  satisfy.  She  dared  not  men- 
tion it  to  her  husband,  for  fear  of  his  disapproval, 
until  it  was  all  arranged.  They  owned  a  very 
good  horse  and  rockaway  carriage  ;  the  latter  was 
arranged  with  a  series  of  boxes  and  drawers,  and 
a  seat  for  the  driver.  She  knew  her  husband  had 
been  dealing  with  John  S.  Seabury,  wholesale 
druggist,  of  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  to  whom  they  were 
much  indebted.  She  employed  a  young  lad  of 
about  sixteen  to  drive,  and  when  all  things  were 
ready,  the  night  previous  to  her  engaging  as  a 
"  Yankee  peddler,"  she'  broke  the  intelligence  to 
her  husband  and  the  family.  The  poor  sufferer 
burst  into  tears,  and  the  father-in-law  said,  "It 
must  not  be."  She  replied,  "  Never  mind,  pa  ;  do 
not  say  any  thing  about  it.  I  can  not  sit  down 
idle  ;  the  family  must  be  supported." 

This  was,  indeed,  in  strange  contrast  with  the 
scenes  of  early  life,  when  every  want  had  been 


28  MRS.  Af AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

anticipated,  and  the  burdens  borne  by  other 
hands.  She  now  felt,  for  the  first  time,  life's 
great  cares,  and,  nothing  daunted,  determined  to 
meet  them  heroically. 

The  weather  was  getting  bitterly  cold,  and  the 
troubles  before  the  poor  invalid  caused  him  many 
tears.  The  wife  well  knew  how  the  undertaking 
would  sting  her  high-spirited  mother,  and  grieve 
her  own  loved  one  ;  but  there  was  no  alternative, 
the  debts  could,  and  must  be  paid.  The  home 
was  comfortable,  but  the  daily  wants  had  to  be 
supplied. 

The  evening  was  not  without  its  contrast. 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  broke  out  in  singing ;  and  thougb 
her  heart  felt  the  whole  responsibility  of  the  com- 
ing day,  yet  she  had  determined  to  make  the 
trial,  no  matter  how  severe.  Peter  was  grieved 
beyond  all  description,  and  the  sorrow  of  his  heart 
affected  his  body.  When  they  retired  he  soon 
fell  asleep  ;  then  came  the  moments  of  reflection 
to  her,  who  was  about  to  confront  life's  great  re- 
alities. Whenever  the  pride  of  her  heart  would 
arise  she  thought  of  him  upon  whom  the  hand  of 
affliction  was  laid,  and  she  could  not,  would  not, 
shrink  from  the  task. 

The  night  passed  in  deep  trials,  and  when  the 
morning  came,  swollen  eyes  told  too  plainly  that 
she  had  not  passed  a  single  moment  in  sleep. 


NE  W  S TR  UGGL  ES  IN  LIFE.  29 

The  hour  of  action  came  ;  the  air  was  keen  and 
cutting,  and  its  rudeness  never  felt  so  sensibly  be- 
fore. The  relatives  tried  still  to  dissuade  her 
from  the  undertaking. 

"  Give  it  up,  it  is  a  bitter  cold  morning,  and  yoti 
will  perish,"  said  the  mother-in-law. 

"  Not  I,"  was  the  response,  "  it  will  make  me 
healthy,  my  cheeks  rosy,  and  I  will  be  ever  so 
handsome  when  I  come  back." 

Breakfast  being  called,  she  had  no  relish  for 
food,  and  between  tears,  joys,  and  laughing,  she 
spent  a  few  moments  before  the  boy  arrived  at  the 
door  with  the  carriage.  A  pang  struck  her  heart 
as  she  passed  the  door,  and  her  eyes  fell  on  the 
icy  pavement.  As  they  drove  away,  she  turned 
and  looked  back,  and  there  at  the  window  stood 
her  husband,  his  face  the  very  picture  of  sorrow. 
She  threw  him  a  kiss,  and  with  a  hearty  laugh, 
turned,  and  was  ao^ain  alone  with  her  thoughts. 
That  was  a  moment  of  keen  sorrow.  All  the 
reminiscences  of  life  unrolled  like  a  panorama,  the 
hot  tears  fell,  and  with  clasped  hands  she  prayed 
to  God  for  strength  in  this  hour  of  trial,  knowing 
the  step  taken  w^as  just  and  right. 

Seven  weary  miles  brought  them  to  Jamaica. 
Then  came  the  fiery  ordeal  to  tell  her  purposes  to 
strangers.  As  she  entered  the  store  of  Mr  Sea- 
bury  he  met  her,  took  the  shivering  hand,  saying, 


30  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  Come  to  the  firC;  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  it  is  a  frosty 
morning."  But  the  ice  was  on  her  heart,  and  she 
scarcely  felt  the  outward  cold.  In  a  moment 
more  her  feelings  overcame  her,  and  for  some  time 
the  quivering  lips  and  tears  told  of  the  struggle 
within.  She  considered  this  weakness,  and  to  ac- 
complish her  purpose  she  must  be  brave.  Chok- 
ing down  the  tears,  she  began : 

"Mr.  Seabury,  we  are  much  indebted  to  you, 
and  we  want  to  get  out  of  debt ;  and  I  know  of  no 
better  way  than  for  me  to  take  up  the  business  of 
'filling  orders.'  " 

He  replied,  "There  is  much  danger  accompa- 
nying it,  and  you  wnll  be  liable  to  insult." 

This  touched  her  dignity,  and  she  answered 
quickly,  "  God  will  never  allow  any  one  to  insult 
me  when  I  am  doing  my  duty." 

The  truth  uttered  then  was  not  changed  or 
marred  in  the  least  during  all  subsequent  life. 

Several  hours  were  spent  in  selecting  some  four 
or  five  hundred  dollars'  worth  of  goods,  and  the 
boy  packed  them  away  in  the  cases  and  boxes  in 
the  buggy.  As  she  was  retiring,  the  merchant 
said, 

"  If  you  do  n't  succeed  bring  the  goods  to  me, 
and  I  will  take  them  off  from  your  hands." 

She  replied,  "  You  pray  for  me,  and  I  will  suc- 
ceed.'^ 


NEW  STR UGGLES  IN  LIFE.  3 1 

He,  doubtless,  believed  in  prayer,  as  he  was  a 
Methodist,  though  a  little  on  the  stingy  order. 

And  now,  all  equipped,  she  turned  toward  the 
field  of  labor.  Strange  tho'ights  thronged  her 
mind.  The  deep  anguish  of  the  moment  no  pen 
or  tongue  can  ever  describe.  From  the  costly 
mansion  where  want  had  ever  been  a  stranger, 
and  sorrows  never  came,  she  was  now  in  the  cold, 
rude  world,  on  a  common  peddler's  wagon.  God 
leads  his  children  through  unexpected  paths. 
Was  he  fitting  her  for  adversity,  and  deeper  trials 
yet  to  come } 

She  drove  on,  but  the  frozen  ground  was  but  a 
poor  emblem  of  the  winter  in  her  heart.  With 
thoughts  of  husband,  babe,  and  loved  ones  at 
home,  the  bony  finger  of  want  pointing  toward 
the  household,  and  with  a  zeal  quenchless  in  the 
severest  trials,  she  passed  on.  Seeing  some  drug- 
stores, and  not  knowing  but  what  they  dealt  in 
patent  medicines,  she  resolved  to  make  her  first 
efibrts  for  a  sale.  As  she  entered  and  introduced 
herself  and  business,  she  was  recognized ;  a  rela- 
tive of  her  husband  kept  the  store,  and  treatec* 
her  with  the  greatest  respect.  They  took  a  larg 
bill  of  goods,  and  as  she  departed,  they  said, 
*'  We  will  wait  for  your  coming  again.  We  have 
dealt  with  your  husband  before,  and  he  took  our 
orders>  but  it  is  so  much  better  to  have  the  goods 


32  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

ready  delivered.  Now,  be  sure  and  stop  at" — 
such  and  such  stores,  naming  them.  In  fact,  they 
made  out  a  complete  route  for  her  travel.  As 
she  ascended  the  carriage  no  greater  joy  had  ever 
thrilled  her  heart.  Victory,  complete  victory,  had 
crowned  her  very  first  effort.  She  made  several 
more  good  sales  on  the  way,  and  reached  home 
about  dark.  Anxious  ones  awaited  her  coming ; 
the  loved  one  at  the  window,  and  the  aged  father- 
in-law  came  out  to  greet,  and  help  her  from  the 
carriage.  She  sprang  into  the  house,  joyous  and 
merry,  and  the  warm  kiss  from  her  husband  re- 
paid all  the  toils  of  the  long,  weary  day.  Supper 
was  waiting.  The  mother-in-law  took  off  her 
wrappings,  smoothed  her  brow,  and  said,  so 
sweetly,  "  What  a  brave  girl  you  are !"  Her  hus- 
band rubbed  the  benumbed  hands,  and  thought 
she  must  be  almost  dead.  Springing  from  his 
side,  she  took  up  the  babe,  and  danced  around 
the  room  in  wildest  joy.  After  the  glee  was  over 
they  were  ready  for  a  hearty  supper,  for  the  toils 
of  the  day  had  given  her  a  good  appetite.  She 
had  not  as  yet  told  any  one  of  her  success  - 

Supper  over,  she  began  by  saying,  "  I  guess  I  '11 
count  my  profits."  Handing  the  list  of  sales  to 
her  husband,  and  drawing  out  the  well-filled 
purse,  she  began  counting  the  money  received, 
dmid  the  surprised  look  of  her  husband,  the  laugh 


NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFE.  33 

of  her  father-in-law,  and  the  crowing  of  the  babe, 
whose  Httle  heart  was  bounding  with  delight. 

That  noble-hearted  Colonel  Conselyea  called  in 
to  learn  the  news.  Seeing  the  money  counted 
out  he  smiled,  saying,  "  See  here,  Maggie,  I  guess 
^  '11  go  into  partnership  with  you." 

"  No,"  was  the  reply,  "  I  have  one,  and  I  am 
afraid  he  will  swamp  me."  And  thus,  in  jokes 
and  glee  the  evening  passed  away. 

During  this  time  Mr.  Van  Cott  was  quietly 
looking  over  the  sales,  and  found  that  his  wife  had 
made  nearly  twenty  dollars,  clear  of  all  expenses. 
It  was  a  complete  success,  which  they  all  richly 
enioyed.  But  there  was  work  still  before  her. 
New  goods  must  be  added  to  the  list,  and  all 
things  in  readiness  before  sunrise.  The  carriage 
being  heavily  loaded  next  morning,  she  dare  not 
ride  for  fear  of  breaking  the  springs.  Before  ar- 
riving at  the  Battery,  in  New  York,  she  had 
walked  about  four  miles.  Here  they  took  a  ferry- 
boat for  Staten  Island,  where  the  work  of  the  day 
was  to  commence.  During  that  trip  of  nine  miles 
she  became  deathly  sea-sick,  one  of  the  hands  on 
the  boat  rendering  her  all  the  assistance  possible. 
Arriving  at  the  first  drug-store,  she  was  still  so 
sick  as  hardly  to  be  able  to  state  her  business. 
She  continued  her  walk  from  place  to  place  till 
faint  from   want  of  food,  having   taken   nothing 


34  ^^f^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

since  the  early  breakfast.  It  was  two,  P.  M.,  be- 
fore reaching  a  hotel,  where  dinner  was  ordered. 
Here  they  tarried,  the  forenoon's  work  proving  too 
severe  for  any  further  proceedings. 

Another  direction  was  taken  next  day,  even  to 
the  extreme  end  of  the  island,  returning  to  the 
same  hotel  in  the  evening. 

On  the  third  morning  they  started  for  home, 
taking  a  different  direction  in  crossing  New  York 
Bav,  and  not  being  under  shelter,  she  was  terri- 
bly chilled  with  the  cold  blast  as  she  sat  in  the 
open  carriage.  Arriving  at  home,  there  was  great 
wondering  about  the  three  long  days  of  absence, 
the  longest  she  had  ever  been  away  from  her  fam- 
ily. Innumerable  questions  were  asked ;  the 
Colonel  coming  in,  of  course,  to  learn  the  news. 
She  was  too  much  exhausted  with  cold  to  say  any 
thing,  but  being  restored,  the  usual  scenes  of  joy 
were  again  enacted. 

Sitting  down  at  supper,  the  Colonel  was  impa- 
tient, and  broke  in,  saying,  "  Come,  come,  tell  us 
how  you  have  been  getting  along ;  how  much 
have  you  sold,  so  I  may  know  whether  to  hire  you 
or  not  T  He  waited  patiently  till  after  supper 
then  wanted  to  see  how  she  had  succeeded  in 
filling  the  wallet  during  her  three  days'  absence. 
Mr.  Van  Cott  and  the  Colonel  counted  over  the 
money.    The  latter  seeing  how  well  she  had  done, 


NEW  STR UGGL ES  IN  LIFE.  3 5 

exclaimed,  "Why,  Maggie,  you  are  a  rouser!" 
The  poor  invalid  husband  was  melted  to  tears  as 
he  scanned  the  sales,  and  found  that  his  wife  had 
made  over  sixty-three  dollars  during  the  trip. 
They  all  insisted  that  she  should  rest  now  for  a 
few  days.  The  extra  fatigue,  coupled  with  the 
intense  cold,  had  prostrated  her  somewhat,  and 
made  their  persuasions  very  acceptable.  She 
took  a  little  inventory  of  the  stock  left,  and  thus 
closed  the  memorable  week. 

Sabbath  came,  that  holy  day  of  rest,  and  the 
songs  and  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary  were 
sweeter  than  usual.  Monday  morning  she  was 
again  on  the  way  to  Jamaica,  where  she  took  up 
some  of  the  former  notes,  laid  in  a  fresh  stock  of 
goods,  and  struck  out  on  a  new  route  on  Long 
Island.  She  visited,  firing  this  week,  Hemp- 
stead, Flushing,  Newton — her  old  home — Mas- 
peth,  Greenpoint,  Ringwood,  New  Lotts,  Cornau- 
sie,  Gravesend,  Coney  Island,  Flatbush,  and  a 
portion  of  Brooklyn.  It  was  a  successful  week ; 
business  prospered,  and  she  was  able  to  reach 
home  every  night. 

Resting  two  weeks,  she  passed  over  the  same 
grounds  again,  and  these  places  became  her  regu- 
lar field  of  labor.  Once  in  four  weeks,  during  the 
entire  Winter,  she  visited  all  of  the  drug-stores, 
and  supplied  them  with  goods.     In  the  month  of 


36  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

May  Mr.  Van  Cott  was  so  far  improved  as  to  be 
able  to  attend  to  the  business  himself,  and  let  his 
wife  remain  in  the  store. 

About  this  time  a  great  furor  was  raging  about 
sewing-machines,  and  especially  the  Wheeler  and 
Wilson's.  She  waited  on  her  brother-in-law, 
asked  for  a  hundred-dollar  check,  went  over  to 
New  York  city,  purchased  a  machine,  returned 
home,  and  could  not,  by  any  possible  way,  make 
it  work.  Among  the  embarrassments,  her  foot 
was  not  accustomed  to  the  motion  of  the  machine, 
and  in  this  she  succeeded  only  after  practicing 
awhile  on  her  mother-in-law's  old  spinning-wheel. 

Then  for  sewing;  she  applied  to  the  store, 
asked  for  linen  to  make  shirt-bosoms,  returned 
with  three  great  pieces,  and  cut  out,  folded  and 
stitched  five  dozen  before  the  next  evening.  But 
the  task  was  so  severe  she  was  nearly  prostrated 
under  the  new  strain  of  unusual  work.  But  the 
excitement  was  up,  and  she  determined  to  pur- 
chase another  machine,  hire  help,  and  make  sew- 
ing a  regular  business.  In  a  few  days  she  pur- 
chased a  third  machine,  going  in  debt  for  the  last 
two,  obtained  work  in  abundance,  and  using  the 
back  room  of  the  store,  it  became  a  perfect  hive 
of  buzzing  machines.  Then  came  a  proposition 
from  the  New  York  dealers  to  make  her  an  agent, 
offering  ten  dollars  for  each  machine  slie  might 


NE  W  STR UGGLES  IN  LIFE.  37 

sell.  Within  ten  days  she  sold  ten  machines,  be- 
sides the  three  she  had  purchased  for  herself. 
Thus  she  made  a  clear  hundred  dollars,  and  kept 
the  girls  running  the  three  machines  in  the  store. 
Mr.  Tibbells,  the  New  York  general  agent,  then 
refused  to  give  her  more  \\\?i\\  five  dollars  for  each 
one  sold.  This  she  thought  decidedly  unjust,  after 
the  first  plain  bargain  which  he  had  made  with 
her  ;  she  left  his  sales-room,  never  to  sell  another 
machine,  for  he  certainly  had  not  kept  his  word. 
Giving  her  whole  attention  now  to  sewing,  she 
cleared  a  thousand  dollars  during  the  next  nine 
months.  But  the  strain  on  her  system  was  so 
great,  that  she  had  a  fit  of  sickness  at  the  close 
of  the  season. 

About  the  end  of  the  second  year  she  sold  the 
machines  for  nearly  what  she  gave  for  them,  and 
quit  the  business.  The  Jews  had  entered  into 
competition,  and  the  prices  fell  from  one  dollar  to 
thirty  cents  per  dozen,  and  there  was  no  money 
to  be  made  at  these  rates. 

A  year  passed,  when  her  husband,  in  talking 
over  business  matters  one  day,  spoke  of  the  in- 
creased price  of  goods  bought  of  Mr.  Seabury, 
which,  of  course,  lessened  their  income.  This 
the  aspiring  wife  could  not  endure,  but  her  im- 
pulsive nature  at  once  suggested,  "  My  dear,  why 
not  put  up  your  own  goods .''" 


38  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT 

"You  know  I  am  absent  from  home  the  most 
of  my  time,  and  it  would  be  impossible,"  he  re~ 
plied. 

"  Well,  where  's  your  wife  ?" 

"  My  wife  has  already  more  than  her  share,  and 
I  do  n't  want  her  to  be  a  slave.  No,  no,  some- 
thing will  come  about." 

Here  the  subject  was  dropped,  so  far  as  words 
were  concerned,  but  new  plans  were  in  the  mind 
of  the  wife  all  night  long.  In  dreams  she  saw 
sundry  oils,  essences,  extracts,  and  casks  of  per- 
fumery, all  ready  for  the  wholesale  trade. 

When  morning  came  her  husband  took  his  de- 
parture for  a  three  weeks'  trip.  As  soon  as  he 
was  gone  she  fixed  up  and  started  for  New  York 
on  business.  Being  well  acquainted  with  several 
large  drug  houses,  through  transactions  of  former 
years,  she  called  on  Bush,  Gale  &  Robinson, 
Greenwich-street,  and  asked,  playfully,  of  Mr. 
R.,  if  he  ever  objected  to  giving  any  thing  that 
cost  him  nothing. 

"  No,"  he  replied. 

"  Please  let  me  have  a  sheet  of  foolscap  paper, 
and  sit  down  here  by  the  desk  and  give  me  in 
plain  terms  the  United  States  formula  for  mak- 
ing a  barrel  of  laudanum." 

The  good-natured  gentleman  smiled,  took  his 
seat,  but  replied,  "  I  see  what  you  are  driving  at. 


NE  W  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFE.  39 

1  can  sell  it  to  you  cheaper  than  you  can  make 
it,  as  we  buy  opium  at  first  cost." 

"  Excuse  me,  sir,  but  is  that  what  I  asked  for 
I  do  not  want  your  goods,  I  want  my  own." 

"  But  you  never  compounded  drugs,  and  there 
.8  quite  a  knack  in  it." 

"All  right,  I  like  that.  I  do  n't  believe  I  am 
more  stupid  than  other  people,  and  if  they  can 
do  it  so  can  I,  so  there  it  ends.  Now,  if  you  are 
too  stingy  to  give  them  to  me,  I  do  n't  care.  I 
will  go  to  Charley  Curtis  ;  he  will  do  it,  and  then 
you  will  be  real  sorry,  I  know  you  will." 

He  laughed  heartily,  and  went  to  work  writing 
out  carefully  the  desired  formulas.  In  less  than 
one  hour  she  held  in  her  hand  a  trophy  in  the 
way  of  recipes  for  essences,  extracts,  laudanum, 
paregoric,  Godfrey's  Cordial,  pomade,  bear's  oil, 
hair  tonic,  etc.,  and  was  quite  jubilant  over  her 
good  success. 

In  a  few  moments  she  commenced  her  orders, 
barrels  of  alcohol,  Cologne  spirits,  castor  oil, 
olive  oil,  and  then  essential  oils,  dye-stuffs,  bot- 
tles, corks,  until  the  woman  had  purchased  hun- 
dreds of  dollars'  worth  of  stock.  The  goods  were 
sent  by  trucks  to  her  home  in  Brooklyn,  while 
she  spent  some  time  at  the  printer's,  ordering 
thousands  of  labels,  thence  to  the  box-mak- 
er's, where  a  large  order  was   given,  before  she 


40  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

returned  home.  It  was  about  dark  when,  with 
head  and  heart  full  of  her  new  enterprise,  slie 
reached  her  residence.  Not  a  word  was  spoken 
of  the  business  of  the  day. 

As  the  family  gathered  around  the  well-spread 
board  for  which  her  home  was  noted,  one  could 
by  a  glance  at  her  face  tell  that  there  was  mis- 
chief somewhere.  Before  the  repast  was  finished 
heavily  loaded  trucks  stopped,  a  heavy  knock  at 
the  store-door,  and  the  sturdy  driver  cried, 
"Goods  for  Mrs.  Peter  P.  Van  Cott."  By  this 
time,  almost  bursting  with  laughter,  the  culprit 
hastened,  in  answer  to  the  mother-in-law's  call, 
"What  upon  airth  does  this  mean?"  She  an- 
swered, "  Nothing,  only  change  of  business,"  and 
at  once  set  about  giving  orders  how  barrels  and 
boxes  were  to  be  adjusted  so  as  to  be  easy  of 
access,  while  ever  and  anon  a  merry  laugh  would 
be  heard  as  she  caught  a  glance  of  her  mother- 
in-law's  woeful  face.  At  last  the  goods  were  all 
in  shape,  the  truckman  paid,  and  the  door  closed 
for  the  night. 

All  returned  to  the  sitting-room,  when  the 
mother-in-law  could  hold  in  no  longer,  and,  be- 
ing number  one  on  a  big  scold,  she  commenced : 
"You're  the  most  venturesomest  woman  I  ever 
saw.  You  '11  be  the  ruin  of  your  husband  ;  and 
how  dreadful   it   will  be   to   have   the  fair   name 


NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFE.  4 1 

of  Van  Cott  blighted  by  your  headlong  folly! 
Mercy !  mercy !  child,  will  you  ever  be  wise  ? 
How  upon  airth  can  you  make  all  those  things 
that  wise  people  take  a  life-time  to  larn  ?  O, 
dear,  I  dread  to  see  poor  Peter  come  home ! 
How  will  you  ever  pay  the  bills,  and  they  must 
be  paid  ?     O,  dear,  I  am  almost  wild  !" 

All  this  time  in  one  corner  of  the  room  sat 
the  new  wholesale  druggist,  wondering  how  she 
should  adjust  the  faucets,  and  cut  the  opium, 
and  the  various  things  that  were  pressing  upon 
her  brain  so  rapidly,  when  the  mother-in-law's 
last  sentence  caught  her  ear,  and  she  cried,  "  So 
am  I  almost  wild  to  think  how  I  will  surprise 
Peter." 

"  Yes,  but  suppose  you  spoil  the  goods  ?" 

"  I  do  n't  intend  to  spoil  the  goods  ;  that  is 
not  the  way  I  do  business.  Now,  do  be  good, 
and  please  do  not  scold  any  more.  It  will  not 
help  me  one  bit,  and  I  want  to  think,  so,  if  you 
love  me,  please  do  n't  scold  any  more." 

But  it  was  of  no  use ;   the  dear  soul  was  so 

afraid  of  wrong  doing  that  she  could  not  give  it 

up.     The  only  refuge  for  Mrs.  Van  Cott  was  to 

retire  to  her  own  room,  where  she  might  think, 

contrive,  and  plan  for  the  great  work  before  her. 

Sleep  calmed  her  disturbed  powers,  and  in  after 

life  she  saw  in  all  of  these  trials  a  guiding  hand 
6 


42  MRS.  A/AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

developing  and  calling  forth  energies  that  would 
be  required  in  future  time. 

In  the  morning  she  scarcely  knew  where  to 
begin  work.  There  were  barrels,  boxes,  in  fact 
a  store  full  of  goods  of  a  new  kind  to  take  care 
of.  After  breakfast  she  referred  to  the  formulas 
given  by  Mr.  Robinson,  and  carefully  read  them 
over,  when  soon  they  appeared  like  old,  familial 
friends.  She  found  that  the  laudanum  and  par- 
egoric must  stand  fourteen  days  to  be  brought 
to  perfection  ;  so  common  sense  told  her  this  was 
her  first  work.  Long  before  the  many  pounds 
of  opium  were  cut  her  poor  fingers  were  in  blis- 
ters, but,  nothing  daunted,  she  still  applied  all 
her  energies  to  her  task.  The  aged  father-in-law 
ever  stood  ready  to  help  his  "  smartest  woman- 
child  in  all  the  world,"  as  he  cheerily  called  her. 
Before  night  a  barrel  of  laudanum  and  one  of 
paregoric  had  been  mixed  as  the  first  day's  work. 
But  O,  how  the  blistered  fingers  burned  and 
ached !  Yet  with  a  happy  heart  she  took  sup- 
per, and  spent  the  evening  singing  with  Colonel 
Conselyea  and  daughter. 

During  the  evening  strange  thoughts  would 
now  and  then  come.  "  It  may  not  be  good  ;" 
"  There  may  have  been  a  fearful  mistake  in  the 
compounds."  But  had  she  not  followed  the 
fornr  ula  to  the  very  letter,  and  there  could  be  no 


NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LIFE.  43 

mistake  ?  She  did  it,  too,  for  the  benefit  of  her 
dear  ones,  and  God  knew  it. 

Returning  home  at  nine,  she  was  met  by  her 
mother-in-law,  saying,  "  I  should  think  you  was 
tired  enough  to  have  rested  at  home,  and  not  rais- 
ing the  entire  neighborhood  with  your  singing." 

"  I  would  like  to  know  who  could  help  singing 
alter  doing  such  a  day's  work,  and  having  such 
nice,  blistered  fingers,  with  a  prospect  of  so 
grand  a  surprise  not  many  days  hence  when  my 
dear  husband  comes  home." 

Before  retiring  she  must  see  what  the  next 
day's  work  was  to  be,  and,  running  over  the 
formulas,  found  essence  of  peppermint,  essence 
of  lemon,  and,  looking  at  the  simplrcity  of  their 
composition,  a  happy  smile  played  over  her  face. 
Day  after  day  she  continued  the  work,  till  many 
gross  of  bottles  were  arranged  neatly  on  the 
shelves,  and,  as  the  time  drew  near  for  the 
return  of  her  husband,  she  could  scarcely  con- 
tain herself  The  last  day's  work  was  done ; 
the  hour  arrived  when  the  dear  one  would  be  at 
home,  Supper  was  waiting,  and  she  dressed  just 
to  his  liking,  and,  with  needle-work  in  hand  and 
throbbing  heart,  sat  at  the  window,  while  now 
and  then  a  heavy  sigh  burst  from  the  burdened 
mother-in-law's  soul,  as  if  the  weight  of  an 
empire   was   upon    her.     Suddenly   the    husband 


44  MRS.  MAGGIE   NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

appeared.  She  bounded  to  the  door  and  into  his 
arms,  shouting,  laughing,  kissing,  and  dancing 
with  glee.  Following  her  came  baby  girl,  and 
then  mother-in-law,  as  if  just  in  from  a  funeral, 
and  with  a  sad  moan,  said,  "  Well,  dear  boy,  are 
you  alive  V 

"Alive !"  shouted  the  joyful  wife,  "  ha !  ha !  of 
course  he  is  !  And  are  n't  I  happy  "i  Do  n't  you 
love  me  .-*  Are  n't  you  tired  .-*  Do  n't  you  want 
supper }  Got  your  favorite  pound-cake.  Fingers 
so  blistered  could  not  make  it  myself" 

In  an  instant  ]\\s  eye  caught  the  goods  labeled 
"  P.  P.  Van  Cott,  essence  peppermint,  laudanum, 
paregoric,"  etc.,  when  a  look  of  mingled  dismay, 
fear,  doubt,  and  yet  pleasure  swept  with  a  stroke 
across  his  face.  She  knew  and  felt  keenly  that 
they  were  to  compete  with  one  whose  standing 
and  reputation  was  not  to  be  trifled  with.  The 
goods  were  well  made,  and  would  certainly  stand 
the  severest  test. 

No  supper  was  tasted  until  they  were  thor- 
oughly examined  by  the  keen  senses  of  the  well- 
posted  husband,  while  the  wife  looked  on  during 
the  severe  test.  The  mother  groaned,  and  the 
father  "  reckoned  "  there  had  been  "  pains  enough 
taken  to  make  them  good.''  At  last  a  smile 
came,  and  judgment  passed,  "  Good  as  need  or 
can  be,  but  who  showed  you  how.-*"     The  story 


NEW  STRUGGLES  IN  LfFE.  45 

was  then  rehearsed,  and  the  wife  was  triumph- 
ant. The  mother  groaned  out,  "  Think  you  can 
sell  them,  deary?" 

"  Sell  them  ?  Of  course  he  can !  He  sells 
such  goods  every  day." 

Thus  the  surprise  and  joyful  result.  The  first 
bill  of  goods  sold  they  made  nearly  double  the 
profits  they  would  have  made  had  goods  been 
bought  of  Mr.  Seabury. 

Now  things  began  to  look  bright ;  the  gloom 
had  passed  away.  But,  alas  !  how  fleeting  and 
short-lived  are  all  of  earth's  joys  !  With  pros- 
perity came  a  longing  for  light  amusements  in 
the  heart  of  the  flashing,  dashing  Maggie  New- 
ton Van  Cott.  Her  sister-in-law  and  her  hus- 
band were  very  worldly  people,  fond  of  the 
theater  and  opera,  and  during  Mr.  Van  Cott's 
absence  much  of  her  time  was  spent  with  them. 
She  soon  acquired  a  passion  for  the  opera  in 
particular,  having  a  strong  thirst  for  music. 
Then  came  masked  parties,  surprise  parties,  and 
indeed,  gayeties  without  end,  not,  however,  to 
the  neglect  of  home  duties  or  business. 

Thus,  between  work  and  pleasure,  one  con- 
tinued round  of  excitement  was  kept  up.  Her 
husband  being  away  so  much,  she  had  ample 
time  for  folly.  When  he  was  at  home  he  did  not 
care  to  mingle  much  with  the  gay  throng.     His 


46  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

health  was  slowly  declining,  and  during  his  stay 
at  home  no  place  was  half  so  attractive,  and 
nothing  could  induce  his  wife  to  leave  his  side. 

Another  shadow  crept  down  over  their  happy 
home,  for  happy  indeed  it  was,  their  wants  and 
jvishes  all  supplied,  but  the  cloud  came.  The 
father,  whose  mind  had  long  been  weak,  began 
to  show  signs  of  obstinacy,  persevering  in  that 
which  was  positively  hurtful  and  wrong.  The 
true  malady  was  softening  of  the  brain,  which 
would  eventually  end  in  madness.  Now  came 
the  trial.  Where  could  he  be  kept,  in  the  mad- 
house or  asylum  ?  His  own  daughter  thought 
best  to  place  him  in  the  latter,  but  Maggie  had 
visited  that  place,  and,  having  seen  the  horrors, 
said  "  no."  She  could  not  bear  the  thought  of 
a  cruel  nurse  striking  that  man  who  had  so  ten- 
derly cared  for  her  little  ones,  or  use  any  force 
to  restrain  him.  She  looked  upon  that  noble 
brow,  and  thought,  "  I,  too,  will  soon  be  old." 

Then  the  burden  of  caring  for  him  must  fall 
upon  her.  For  two  long  years,  night  and  day, 
the  ravings  of  that  madman  were  endured. 
When  the  terrible  paroxysms  were  upon  him, 
by  pure  physical  force  he  must  be  bound  and 
placed  in  a  strait-jacket  made  of  heavy  ducking 
cloth.  Thus  secured,  next  came  the  means  to 
subdue  the  madness  and  quiet  the  angry  bra»n 


NEW  STRUGGLES  EV   LIFE.  47 

Nothing  was  more  successful  than  singing.  A 
few  of  the  good  old-fashioned  hymns  and  tunes 
would  soon  have  the  desired  effect. 

Those  weary  years  made  deep  impressions. 
Why  had  it  thus  been  ordered  ?  No  one  in  that 
house  could  master  the  raving  maniac  save  her. 
The  poor  husband,  scarcely  able  at  times  to  lift 
his  head  at  night,  must  not  approach  him.  One 
blow  from  that  dreadful  fist  would  have  landed 
him  in  eternity.  She  grappled  with  him  night 
and  day,  threw  him  down,  tied  his  hands  and 
feet,  but  not  always  without  scars  and  blows 
received.  Hundreds  of  times  she  felt  the  weight 
of  his  strokes.  Once  she  fell  perfectly  senseless, 
and  often  for  days  she  bore  on  her  person  large, 
dark  bruises. 

This  was  the  dreadful  training-school  where 
those  giant  physical  powers  were  developed. 
Often  as  she  clutched  the  maniac  by  the  wrists 
in  his  dreadful  contortions,  when  bound,  she 
found  the  skin  from  his  wrists  in  the  palms 
of  her  hands.  Thus  she  was  mysteriously 
tried  in  order  to  stand  the  heavy  toils  of  after 
years. 

Time  and  again,  during  those  fearful  years, 
while  burdened  with  the  cares  of  home,  the  sick- 
room, and  the  wild  ravings  of  the  madman,  did 
the  convicting  Spirit  of  God  rest  upon  her.     Often 


48  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

while  singing  the  songs  of  Zion,  and  especially 
that  of 

"Vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame,"  etc., 

did  she  hear  the  Spirit  say,  "Sister  spirit,  come 
away  from  the  world  of  gayety  and  fashion." 
'Give  me  thine  heart"  was  frequently  pressed  by 
the  Divine  Spirit,  when  the  troubled  man  had 
been  bound  and  sweetly  sung  to  sleep.  Like  all 
things  of  earth,  even  sorrow  will  give  way — so 
in  this  case.  On  the  17th  of  August,  1863,  the 
troubled  man  slept  with  his  fathers.  Sabbath 
noon  he  was  stricken  with  death,  and  remained 
unconscious  until  Monday  night  at  10  o'clock. 
His  eyes  had  been  closed  during  all  this  time; 
but  a  little  before  his  death  he  opened  and  fixed 
them  on  Maggie,  and  there  death  sealed  them. 

In  spite  of  her  best  endeavors  she  could  never 
forget  that  dying  look;  it  haunted  her  night  and 
day — though  in  after  months  she  sought  to  drive 
it,  with  the  deeper  impressions  of  the  Spirit  of 
God,  away.  Once  more  entering  the  gay  scenes 
of  life,  even  amid  the  merry  laugh  or  dance,  she 
would  see  those  glaring  eyes. 

A  year  rolled  away.  She  strove  to  be  happy 
and  gay ;  but  the  charms  of  the  world  had  a  dead- 
ness  about  them,  for  plainly  her  quick  eye  caught 
sight  of  another  cloud  in  the  distance.  She  strove 
to  battle  against  it ;  but  still  it  came,  and  again 


NE  W  S  7  A'  UGGLES  IN  LIFE.  49 

her  heart  was  torn  and  bleeding.  Her  husband 
was  again  on  a  bed  of  languishing,  and,  as  she 
kept  her  lonely  vigils,  the  gentle  voice  of  her 
God — her  oft-insulted  Lord — whispered,  *'  Daugh- 
ter, give  me  thine  heart."  At  last,  sorrow  stricken, 
and  almost  dying  with  anguish,  she  cried  out, 
"  Give  me  my  darling  back  to  health  and  I  v/ill 
serve  thee."  The  proviso  was  not  God's  way,  and 
she  could  do  no  more.  O  the  agony,  the  heart- 
breaking anguish,  the  ceaseless  cry,  "Only  give 
me  my  darling  one !" — when  the  voice  of  God 
plainly  spake,  "I  am  a  jealous  God;  thou  shalt 
have  no  other  gods  before  me."  Still  that  rebell- 
ious, suffering  heart  would  not  yield.  As  her 
afflicted  companion  moaned  wearily  on  his  pillow, 
she  saw  that  the  last  great  battle  was  soon  to  be 
fought,  and,  looking  around,  she  felt  that  all  life's 
cares  must  fall  upon  her — family,  business,  indeed 
all.  The  thought  almost  crushed  her;  but  for 
his  sake,  she  cried,  "  I  can  do  it." 

During  the  next  few  days  she  conceived  a 
plan  of  moving  her  business  from  Brooklyn  to 
New  York  city.  After  due  thought,  and  a  few 
days  intervening,  she  made  known  the  plan  to 
the  sufferer.  At  first  it  was  not  approved ;  but 
she  insisted  upon  making  an  office  in  New 
York  city,  and  sending  circulars  to  their  mer 
chants. 


50  /l/A'-S".  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"But  the  rents,"  suggested  the  husband;  "they 
are  so  heavy  in  the  business  part  of  the  city." 

"Well,  let  us  try;  if  it  is  right  God  will  open 
up  some  way." 

As  soon  as  he  was  able  to  walk  a  Httle  they 
visited  the  city,  and,  while  he  was  snugly  seated 
in  one  of  the  drug  houses,  she  flew  from  one 
point  to  another.  Few  places  were  to  be  found, 
and  rents  were  from  ;^8oo  to  $i,ooo  a  year,  for 
small,  out-of-the-way  places.  This,  her  good  judg- 
ment taught  her,  they  could  not  stand.  At  last, 
weary  and  sad,  a  bright  idea  came.  She  remem- 
bered that  a  friend  of  theirs  had  been  engaged  as 
the  head  of  a  new  drug  house  in  Dey-street,  and 
that  they  had  a  lease  of  the  beautiful  brown-stone 
front,  at  a  very,  very  low  figure.  At  once  they  de- 
termined to  go  and  see  Charlie  Curtis.  Being 
well  acquainted  with  the  gentleman,  she  at  once 
told  her  desire  to  rent  a  part  of  one  of  their  floors 
as  an  office,  and  that  at  the  lowest  figures  possible. 
Mr.  C.  was  well  aware  of  the  life-struggles  of  the 
lady  and  her  afflicted  husband,  but  said, 

"I  don't  believe  Mr.  M'Donald  will  agree  to  it; 
but  you  can  go  and  look  at  the  rooms,  and  I  will 
intercede  for  you." 

Slowly  the  sick  one  ascended  the  stairway,  and 
found  a  room  28  by  82  feet,  but  looking  very  un- 
inviting, as  it  was  stored  with  a  great  many  barrels 


NE  W  STR  UG GLES  IN  LIFE.  5 1 

of  beans — on  one  of  which  he  sat  and  wept, 
while  his  wife  expatiated  on  how  splendidly  it 
could  be  fitted  up  for  an  office  and  laboratory. 
They  finally  determined  to  take  it,  if  the  rent 
could  be  met.  Still  he  persisted,  "You  had 
better  not  commence  this  undertaking,  dear  ;  it  is 
too  much  for  you." 

She  replied,  "  I  do  not  see  any  other  way  for 
me  to  do,  and  I  '11  do  it."  As  they  arose  to  de- 
scend, she  said,  "Come  on  carefully,  dear,  and 
I  '11  go  on."  Below  she  was  introduced  to  Mr. 
M'Donald,  who  very  politely  said, 

"  We  do  not  care  to  have  any  one  with  us  ;  but 
Mr.  Curtis  has  told  me  of  your  situation,  and  I 
feel  I  must  consent." 

She  then  asked  as  to  the  rent. 

"  Set  your  own  figures,"  was  the  reply. 

This  was  more  than  she  felt  at  liberty  to  do — 
still  she  named  a  sum — all  they  dared  to  assume. 

"  'T  is  more  than  I  should  have  charged,"  re- 
plied the  noble-hearted  Charlie,  while  she  burst 
into  tears,  and  could  but  thank  God  for  opening 
the  way  for  their  business  ;  and,  commending  the 
firm  to  the  care  and  blessing  of  high  Heaven,  they 
departed. 

Reaching  home  in  the  afternoon,  the  husband 
was  found  to  be  quite  prostrated,  and  a  flush  of 
fever  came  on.     Slowly,  as  strength  would  permit, 


52  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

he  assisted  her  in  getting  a  list  of  the  merchants 
they  had  visited,  in  order  to  send  to  them  circu- 
lars of  their  business  and  new  office.  This  occu- 
pied their  time  for  several  days  ;  and  while  she 
was  away  in  the  city  the  mother  cared  for  her 
slowly  failing  son.  Each  day,  at  an  early  hour, 
the  busy  wife  hastened  to  the  great  city ;  super- 
intended the  workmen  in  regard  to  shelves,  coun- 
ters, tables,  etc.  These  being  completed,  she  set 
about  packing  the  stock  at  home  to  be  shipped 
over  to  the  city.  Great  care  was  necessary  in  or- 
der that  the  goods  should  not  be  broken ;  but  her 
fingers  were  bruised  by  the  rough  blows  of  the 
hammer,  or  cut  by  the  sharp  edges  of  boards  or 
the  saw ;  still  no  murmur  escaped  her  lips.  She 
was  as  one  without  outward  feeling  ;  but  down 
deep  in  her  heart  there  was  panting  after  God  and 
his  consolation.  Ofttimes,  when  night  came  on, 
and  she  had  laid  aside  the  coarse  tools,  she  en- 
deavored to  wash  away  the  stains  of  heart  strug- 
gles before  entering  her  husband's  presence.  The 
true  language  of  her  soul  was  about  thus :  "  1 
must  have  a  supporting  arm  to  sustain  me ;  and, 
Lord,  if  thou  only  wilt  accept  me,  and  save  my 
darling,  I  will  truly  serve  thee  ;  for  O  !  I  need 
thy  strength."  But  no  acceptance  was  found,  and 
she  cried  again,  "I  have  been  so  wicked  God 
will  not  have  me  for  his  child,  and  I  can't  helj* 


h'E  W  STR  UGGLES  IN  LIFE.  5  3 

it ;  yet  I  must  be  his ;  I  must  have  him  for  my 
strength  and  guide — O  yes,  for  my  Father  and 
my  Friend." 

Thus  with  torn  hands  and  aching  heart  the  days 
of  toil  were  passed,  and  at  night  the  strongest 
effort  put  forth  to  comfort  the  sick  one.  One 
hymn  was  very  precious  to  him,  which  she  often 
sang — "Shall  we  know  each  other  there?" — com- 
mencing, 

"  When  we  hear  the  music  ringing, 
In  the  bright  celestial  dome,"  etc. 

This  beautiful  piece  generally  spread  sunshine 
and  good  cheer  in  the  sick-room. 

As  soon  as  a  little  improvement  was  seen  in 
him  they  had  determined  to  embrace  the  oppor- 
tunity for  moving,  as  the  goods  had  already  been 
shipped  to  41  Dey-street,  and  circulars  sent  no- 
tifying the  merchants  of  the  change  of  business 
location.  But  the  time  for  moving  the  family  had 
not  yet  come.  Each  morning  at  8  o'clock,  after 
merrily  kissing  her  husband  and  babe,  pressing 
mother-in-law's  hand,  she  would  leave  home,  ride 
a  mile  or  two,  cross  the  river,  and,  in  about  an 
hour  and  a  half,  reach  the  office.  She  seldom 
left  home  without  weeping  and  praying  to  God, 
scarcely  recognizing  •  any  one  on  the  way,  and 
sometimes  seemed  quite  oblivious  to  the  sur- 
roundings. 


54  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

At  last  business  grew  dull,  and  she  had  ample 
time  for  meditation,  when  calmly  she  asked  her- 
self, "  Does  the  world  afford  you  a  ray  of  joy  ? 
Are  you  happy  in  sin?  Would  you  wish  to  die 
as  you  now  live  ?  What  do  you  gain  by  sinning 
against  God  ?  And  then,  if  your  husband  should 
die,  what  would  sustain  you  in  the  severe  trial  ?" 
These,  and  similar  questions,  passed  through  her 
mind  some  five  or  six  days,  while  her  heart  was 
indeed  wretched  enough. 

One  morning,  while  on  the  way  to  the  office, 
and  crossing  Fulton-street  ferry,  she  heard  plainly 
the  voice  of  her  Savior,  saying,  "You  must  de- 
cide to-day,  * Noiv  is  the  accepted  time;  behold, 
now  is  the  day  of  salvation.'  Why  longer  delay  V 
With  the  crowd  she  passed  unconsciously  from 
the  boat,  and,  having  some  business  in  John- 
street,  walked  slowly  onward.  Suddenly,  as  if 
awakening  from  a  dream,  with  her  heart  trusting, 
praying,  believing,  she  cried  out,  "Lord,  if  thou 
wilt  accept  the  sacrifice,  I  from  this  moment  give 
thee  my  body  and  soul.  I  will  be  wholly  thine, 
and,  by  thy  grace,  I  will  never  turn  back."  That 
noment  she  stood  on  the  pavement  in  front  of 
)ld  John-Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and 
from  heaven  light  streamed  in  upon  her  soul. 
She  was  soundly,  powerfully  converted.  Before 
reaching  the  office  Satan   suggested,  "  But  God 


NEW  STR  UG GLES  IN  LIFE.  5  5 

will  take  your  husband  away."  To  which  she  re- 
plied, "'Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in 
him.'  Yea,  I  will  praise  him  ;  for  he  is  my  God. 
Glory  be  to  his  holy  name  !" 

Business  went  on  that  day  splendidly.  Large 
orders  came  in  ;  joyous  songs  of  praise  filled  the 
laboratory ;  and,  though  no  word  concerning  the 
new-found  treasure  was  spoken,  yet  the  persons 
around  her  noticed  the  bright  look  of  heavenly 
peace  that  found  its  way  from  the  happy  heart  to 
the  sunny  face.  Now  the  strong  arm  of  an  All- 
sustaining  power  helped  her  to  bear  the  great 
burdens  of  life. 


CHAPTER   IV. 


EXULTANT   JOY, 


HE  long  morning  and  evening  journeys, 
together  with  the  work  at  the  office,  soon 
Jj  began  to  tell  unfavorably  upon  the  un- 
complaining wife.  Pale  cheeks  and  a  weary  look 
were  the  first  arguments  for  breaking  up  house- 
keeping, and  going  to  boarding.  Mrs.  Contrell, 
the  sister-in-law,  in  New  York  city,  offered  them 
comfortable  rooms,  so  that  the  long  delay  of  some 
three  hours  of  daily  travel  would  be  obviated. 

But  now  came  a  struggle  ;  the  mother  and  son 
had  never  been  separated,  and  this  had  to  be,  as 
the  mother  positively  refused  to  live  in  the  noisy 
city.  Then  came  the  sale  of  household  goods, 
and  the  parting  with  associations  endeared  by  so 
many  happy  years. 

After  a  few  days'  delay  they  were  snugly  settled 
in  their  new  home,  where  she  could   more  fully 
attend  to  the  sick  one,  when  not  engaged  at  the 
56 


SXUL TA NT  JOY.  $7 

office,  or  attending  the  house  of  God.  After 
a  little  rest,  Mr.  Van  Cott  was  able  again  to 
travel  over  a  limited  part  of  the  route  of  New 
Jersey,  and  take  orders.  But  the  business  moved 
too  slowly,  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott  once  more  visited 
the  firm  of  Gale  &  Robinson,  proposing  to  bottle 
their  goods,  such  as  extracts,  oils,  and  even  the 
dangerous  benzine.  They  were  very  glad  to  give 
her  the  job,  and  soon  great  wagon  loads  of  casks, 
cases  of  bottles  and  corks,  were  in  the  room,  and 
work  was  commenced  in  good  earnest. 

The  demand  was  so  great  that  with  all  the  help 
at  her  disposal  she  could  not  fill  the  orders. 
Two  boys  unpacked  and  washed  the  bottles  ;  she 
filled  them,  while  others  corked,  wiped,  and 
labeled,  and  one  careful  hand  repacked.  Fifteen 
gross  was  the  usual  day's  work,  but  varied  some- 
what, according  to  the  size  of  the  bottles.  The 
benzine  was  very  difficult,  indeed,  to  prepare. 
Over  each  cork  a  piece  of  moistened  bladder  must 
be  tied  ;  and  there,  all  day  long,  at  that  table, 
with  piles  of  soaking  bladders  from  the  slaughter- 
house betore  her,  she  sat  cutting,  tying,  and 
handling  them  till  her  hands  became  completel} 
saturated  with  the  unpleasant  odor,  so  that  the 
most  powerful  of  Lubin's  extracts  would  not  de- 
stroy it. 

Another  firm,  on  Broad-street,  wanted  her  to 


5  8  MRS.  MA  G GIE  NE  ^  VTON  VAN  CO  TT, 

mix,  roll,  and  cut  pills,  by  the  half-bushel.  She 
increased  her  force,  and  took  the  order.  It  was 
no  small  undertaking,  but  this  kind  of  work  was 
her  delight.  The  room  became  a  busy  work- 
shop, and  sounded  all  day  long  like  a  protracted 
meeting,  as  she  led  the  boys  and  girls  in  holy 
song.  The  hours  flew  swiftly  and  very  pleas- 
antly, and  the  hands  declared  that  that  room  was 
the  happiest  place  to  them  on  earth.  Frequently 
the  clerks  from  the  diug-store  below  came  up 
and  spent  their  noonday  hour,  talking  on  the 
great  theme  of  salvation.  She  usually  had  a  short 
season  of  prayer  with  them,  all  bowing  reverently 
before  God. 

One  cold,  snowy  day,  being  obliged  to  take  a 
large  package  of  pills  to  the  Broad-street  firm, 
and  settle  some  accounts,  she  passed  through 
Fulton-street.  So  terrible  was  the  storm,  that 
she  saw  no  other  lady  on  the  street,  when,  pres- 
ently, her  eye  caught  the  sign  of  the  noonday 
prayer-meeting.  Looking  at  her  watch  she  knew 
she  had  time  to  drop  in,  get  a  blessing  from 
heaven,  and  reach  her  desired  place  of  business. 
About  forty  gentlemen  were  present,  and  she  the 
only  lady.  The  prayers  were  glorious,  the  testi- 
monies grand,  and  her  heart  began  to  feel  the 
glow  of  Jesus'  love.  Five  minutes  before  one 
o'clock  she  arose,  and  occupied  tJiree  minutes  tes- 


EXUL TA NT  JOY.  59 

tifying  of  the  power  of  Christ  to  save.  She  was 
sweetly  blest.  The  meeting  closed,  and  as  they 
descended  tlie  stairs,  she  was  met  by  one,  who, 
after  considerable  clearing  of  his  throat,  and  a 
polite  bow,  said,  "Ah,  madam,  ah — we — do  not — 
ahem" — 

Quick  as  thought  the  truth  flashed  through 
ner  mind  that  she  was  a  woman,  and  had  dared  to 
speak  of  her  precious  Savior  in  the  presence  of 
men.  She  caught  his  words,  and  continued  them, 
"  You  do  not  permit  ladies  to  speak  in  your 
meetings." 

"  I  won't  say  pennitl'  was  the  reply,  "  but  it  is 
strictly  a  meiis  meeting  ;  and  there  are  plenty  of 
places  elsewhere  where  women  can  speak." 

"  I  am  aware  of  it,  sir,  thank  God ;  but  I 
thought  I  felt  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  I  am 
taught  that  '  where  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  there 
is  liberty.'  Please  excuse  me,  sir ;  I  will  never 
intrude  again." 

"  O,  no  intrusiojty  madam  ;  come  again." 

"  Thank  you ;  I  wi-ll  when  I  can  go  nowhere 
else." 

As  she  passed  on,  choked  with  deep  emotion^ 
a  gentleman  stepped  to  her  side,  and  said, 

"  Do  n't  weep,  lady ;  I  know  what  you  have 
passed  through  ;  but  they  have  dealt  gently  with 
you.     I  have  known  them  to  tell  ladies  of  great 


6o  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

refinement  and  talent  to  stop  and  sit  down,  when 
the  room  has  been  full  of  people  ;  but  as  true  as 
you  live,  I  feel  that  that  is  just  what  the  Fulton- 
street  meeting  wants,  to  make  it  a  power  greater 
ll.nn  it  ever  has  been." 

As  she  reflected  over  what  had  just  happened, 
she  could  but  feel  that  her  lines  had  fallen  to  her 
in  pleasant  places. 

The  subject  of  prayer  was  constantly  in  her 
mind,  and  made  still  deeper  impressions  by  the 
following  incident :  When  Mr.  Van  Cott  was 
first  taken  sick  he  felt  a  strong  desire  to  be 
spared  a  few  years  to  his  young  family ;  and,  one 
day,  reading  of  Hezekiah's  request'  for  fifteen 
years  of  life,  he,  too,  asked  the  same  petition,  and 
promised  the  Lord  that  he  would  willingly  die  at 
the  expiration  of  that  time.  The  years  flew  past, 
and  about  this  time  he  remembered  the  request, 
and  how  God  had  heard  his  prayer.  He  was 
alone  that  day,  and  kneeling  before  Jehovah,  said, 
"  O  Lord,  I  am  ready  now  to  depart  and  be  with 
thee  ;  every  hour  added  to  my  life  after  this  be- 
longeth  unto  thee."  He  was  spared  nearly  two 
year?  more,  to  suffer,  trust,  and  lean  upon  God. 

Being  now  comfortably  established  in  their 
new  home,  she  felt  the  need  of  social  meetings, 
and  was  advised  to  attend  the  Duane-Street 
Methodist    Episcopal    Church    at    their    regular 


EXUL TANT  JOY.  6 1 

Wednesday  evening  prayer-meetings.  Soon  after 
entering  the  room  she  felt  the  Spirit  of  Jesus 
resting  upon  the  good  people,  and  joined  heartily 
with  them  in  singing  the  well-known  hymn, 

"  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  dove,"  etc. 

She  felt  the  inspiration  of  these  meetings,  and 
her  rich,  full  voice  swelled  in  the  rapturous 
music,  and  her  soul  was  lost  to  all  but  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Lord.  Singing  was  ever  her  delight, 
and  now,  when  Christ  was  in  the  hymns,  they 
were  doubly  precious.  This  night  she  received 
such  a  blessing  that  it  did  seem  the  earthen  ves- 
sel would  break  and  her  joyous  spirit  soar  away. 
While  they  were  at  prayer  memories  came  thick 
and  fast  of  how  the  Savior  had  knocked  for  long 
years  at  the  door  of  her  heart,  and  she  had 
refused  him  admittance.  As  she  sank  low  before 
the  throne  weeping,  she  cried,  "Jesus  weeps,  but 
loves  me  still." 

Returning  home,  she  was  loud  in  her  com- 
mendations of  the  meeting,  and  resolved  to  oe  a 
regular  attendant  there  whenever  it  was  possible. 
The  poor  husband  could  not  take  so  long  a  walk 
even  on  Sabbath  mornings,  but  attended  the 
Episcopal  Church  with  the  whole  family  once  on 
Sundays,  after  which  he  remained  at  home  read- 
ing his  Bible   while  his  r^/ife  and  daughter  went 


62  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

to  the  Methodist  Church  in  the  afternoons  or 
evening.  Still  he  was  never  alone ;  one  or  more 
was  always  in  the  house,  generally  his  sister,  to 
•vhom  he  was  very  much  attached. 

The  members  of  Duane-Street  Church  soon 
began  to  recognize  the  lady  who  was  now  so 
attentive,  and  who  seemed  to  enjoy  the  meet- 
ings. Her  name,  residence,  and  occupation  were 
learned  ;  besides,  it  was  known  that  one  of  the 
leading  members  of  the  Church  was  a  partner  in 
business  with  her  brother-in-law  as  city  marshal. 
Mr.  Charles  Watts  very  much  desired  to  have 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  attend  the  Friday  night  class- 
meeting  and  lead  the  singing.  Of  course,  he 
dare  not  speak  to  a  lady  to  whom  he  had  never 
been  introduced,  but,  using  another  as  a  medium 
of  communication,  asked  Mr.  Contrell  to  carry 
the  request.  The  invitation  was  received  with 
no  little  surprise,  and  cast  aside  with  contem])t. 
A  Methodist  class-meeting!  The  very  last  p.%ce 
in  all  the  world  !  Had  not  her  mother  in  child- 
hood days  told  what  they  were  t  Simply  places 
where  wives  congregated  to  tell  of  unkind  hus- 
bands, and  husbands  met  to  tell  of  contrary 
wives  and  rebellious  children.  No,  no ;  ladits 
did  not  attend  such  places.  It  was  indelicate  to 
speak  thus  before  gentlemen,  and  no  lady  would 
do  it.     She  replied,  "  Give  my  compliments  to 


EXUL  TANT  JO  V.  63 

the  gentleman,  and  tell  him  I  can  not  come." 
This  did  not  suffice,  and  the  following  evening 
the  invitation  was  repeated.  At  this  she  became 
quite  indignant,  particularly  as  the  brother-in-law 
began  to  tease,  annoy,  and  even  vex  her  about 
the  meetings.  She  sent  word  that  she  had  no 
desire  "  to  attend  confessional  at  present."  At 
dinner-time  came  a  third  invitation  from  the  ear- 
nest Church  member,  when  the  brother-in-law, 
in  a  fresh  tone  of  sarcasm,  said,  "  I  told  your 
brother  Charlie  Watts  I  should  deliver  no  more 
messages — if  he  had  any  thing  to  say  to  you, 
he  must  say  it  himself — but  he  replied,  '  It  will 
be  rude  in  me  to  speak  to  the  lady,  never  hav- 
ing been  introduced ;  you  speak  to  her  again 
for  me.' " 

Indignant  almost  to  tears,  she  had  not  time  tc 
put  her  ideas  in  shape  before  her  husband  very 
calmly  said,  "  I  should  not  be  tried,  darling  ;  you 
would  enjoy  a  class-meeting,  and,  if  the  old  gen- 
tleman asks  you,  if  I  were  you  I  should  go  once 
at  least." 

She  replied,  "I  could  not  speak;  I  should 
faint  from  fright." 

On  the  following  Sabbath,  while  the  congre- 
gation was  gathering,  she  kept  her  eyes  in  an 
opposite  direction  from  brother  Watts's  pew,  but 
before  services  commenced  a  slight  touch  on  the 


64  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

shoulder  caused  her  to  turn,  and  beside  her  stood 
this  gentleman. 

"  Please  excuse  me,  sister,  but  I  do  wish  ycu 
would  attend  our  class-meeting.  We  are  all  old 
folks,  and  can  not  sing,  and  you  would  help  us  so 
much." 

During  this  time  the  hot  blood  of  impatience 
had  been  coming  and  going  from  her  cheeks,  and, 
with  a  look  bordering  on  scornful  contempt,  she 
answered,  "  I  could  not  be  so  rude  as  to  speak  in 
meeting." 

Many  times  she  thought  of  this  in  after  years, 
while  speaking  to  listening  thousands,  and  telling 
the  story  of  the  Cross. 

He  still  urged,  "  If  you  will  only  come  and 
help  us  sing,  you  shall  not  be  asked  to  speak." 

"  I  will  come  and  help  you  sing,  but  be  sure 
that  I  am  not  asked  to  speak." 

"  My  word  for  it,  you  shall  not  be,"  he  replied. 

Was  not  the  Lord  using  these  persons  to  lead 
her  into  a  field  of  greater  usefulness  1 

The  week  rolled  away,  and  many  were  the 
thoughts  concerning  the  promise  she  had  made. 
That  Friday  was  a  day  of  unusual  toil,  and  she 
was  very  weary  when  the  office  was  closed  and 
she  had  reached  home.  The  husband  looked  at 
his  tired  wife  and  said,  "  Do  you  know  it  is 
Friday  night,  the  class-meeting  night,  my  dear?" 


EXUL  TA  NT  JO  Y.  65 

"  I  had  entirely  forgotten  it  this  evening." 

"  Brother  Watts  has  not  forgotten  it,"  chimed 
in  the  brother-in-law.  "  He  has  spoken  about  it 
a  dozen  times  to-day,  for  he  thinks  you  grand  on 
a  sing." 

"You  will  go,  won't  you.?"  continued  Mr.  Van 
Cott. 

"  No,  I  think  not ;  I  am  too  tired.  I  will  remain 
at  home  and  read  to  you." 

"  Please,  dear,  let  me  advise  you  to  go  just  this 
once,  and  see  what  a  class-meeting  is,  and  then 
come  and  tell  me  all  about  it.  I  shall  enjoy  that 
better  than  to  have  you  read  to  me — go,  to 
please  me." 

After  the  evening  repast  she  assisted  him  to 
bed,  put  on  her  bonnet,  and  wearily  made  her 
'way  to  the  class-room.  Tremblingly  she  entered, 
bowed  her  head  in  prayer,  then  waited  patientl}' 
for  the  services  to  commence.  The  leader,  John 
Henry,  a  saint  of  God,  and  often  called  a  "  Pau. 
of  modern  times,"  arose,  read  a  beautiful  hymn, 
and  all  joined  heartily,  as  Mrs.  Van  Cott  led  the 
singing.  The  class  was  composed  of  the  older 
members  of  the  Church,  one  being  past  eighty 
years,  but  still  joyous  in  vigorous  Christian  life. 
Prayer  was  offered  by  the  leader,  and  then,  with 
breathless  anxiety,  she  waited  to  see  what  was  to 
be  done  at  a  class-meeting.    The  opening  address 


66  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

by  the  leader  was  excellent — not  susceptible  of  a 
single  shadow  of  objection.  It  was  tender,  loving, 
full  of  gratitude  to  God  for  sparing  all  the  class 
for  another  week.  After  another  hymn  he  ad- 
iressed  an  aged  lady,  asking  her  to  tell  of  the 
good  dealings  of  God.  With  a  sweet,  smiling 
face,  she  arose,  and  began  to  bless  and  praise 
God  for  the  favors  she  had  received  during  the 
week,  and  extol  his  name  for  the  privileges  of 
the  class-meeting,  as  it  was  ever  the  gateway 
of  heaven  to  her  soul. 

'*  In  the  Christian's  home  in  glory,"  etc., 

was  sung,  and  all  seemed  full  of  assurance  that 
the  good  old  sister  was  on  her  way  to  the  land 
of  rest.  After  some  half  a  dozen  had  spoken,  and 
not  one  word  had  been  said  about  cross  husbands, 
unruly  children,  or  bad  neighbors,  a  change  grad- 
ually swept  over  the  mind  of  the  new  attendant. 
She  began  really  to  enjoy  the  meeting,  and  de- 
lighted in  this  holy  communion  of  saints.  Be- 
tween almost  every  testimony  a  single  stanza  of 
a  soul-stirring  hymn  was  sung ;  and  the  Spirit 
of  Him  who  promised  to  be  "in  the  midst,"  was 
there.  The  leader  passed  on,  asking  one  by  one 
of  their  Christian  experience,  till  he  came  where 
she  was  sitting.  Here  he  paused,  remembering 
the  promise  not  to  call  upon  her  to  speak,  but, 
folding   his   hands,  exclaiming,  "I  will   not   ask 


EXUL  TA  XT  JO  V.  67 

you,  clear  sister,  to  speak."  Then,  with  a  heart 
uplifted  in  prayer,  he  said,  '*  God  bless  our  dear 
sister!"  A  thrill  of  the  most  ecstatic  joy  ran 
through  her  entire  nature,  in  answer  to  this  short, 
earnest  petition — soul  and  body  felt  the  touch  of 
Jes  js'  power.  Several  moments  ran  past — the 
happy  soul,  flooded  with  Divine  light,  was  glorify- 
ing the  great  God  of  salvation,  in  and  through 
Jesus  Christ  the  Lord.  The  first  moment  of  full 
consciousness  found  her  in  the  aisle  of  the  church, 
both  hands  uplifted,  and,  with  strong,  clear  voice, 
shouting  aloud  the  victories  of  the  Cross. 

What  was  this  great  blessing?  will,  doubtless, 
be  asked  by  many.  It  was  none  other  than  that 
fullness  which  God  has  promised,  "  I  will  pour 
out  of  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh  ;  and  your  sons 
and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy,  and  your 
young  men  shall  see  visions,  and  your  old  men 
shall  dream  dreams  !  And  on  my  servants  and 
on  my  handmaidens  I  will  pour  out,  in  those 
days,  of  my  Spirit,  and  they  shall  prophesy."  She 
seemed  perfectly  emptied  of  self,  and  filled  with 
the  Spirit  of  God.  Here  was  the  gift  of  that 
power  which  overcomes  the  world.  From  that 
hour  she  felt  that  her  lips  had  been  touched  as 
with  a  live  coal  from  the  altar  of  Jehovah.  The 
breath  of  the  Lord  had  blown  the  spark  of  divine 
grace  into  a  great  flame.     This  was  the  beginning 


68  A/A'S.  MAGGIE  NEWION  VAN  COTT. 

of  her  active  Christian  life.  In  the  joy  of  the  mo- 
ment the  two  worlds  of  grace  and  glory  seemed 
blended  together.  All  past  anguish,  sorrow,  and 
deep  trials  were  forgotten  in  the  blaze  of  light 
which  inwrappcd  her  soul.  God  had  fulfilled  his 
promise,  and  here  the  forelight  of  the  coming 
morn  seemed  to  burst  into  noonday  splendor. 
Again  and  again,  with  clear,  strong  voice,  she 
continued  shouting,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ! 
Glory !  glory !  glory !"  The  very  place  seemed 
to  be  on  the  inside  of  that  house  above,  which  is 
full  of  glory.  They  sang  that  grand  old  hymn, 
one  line  of  which  was  literally  true  at  this  time, 

"  Tongue  can  never  express  the  sweet  comfort  and  peace." 

The  entire  class  felt  the  power  of  that  Spirit 
which,  as  in  other  days,  "  came  as  a  rushing, 
mighty  wind,  and  filled  all  the  house  where  they 
were  sitting.  With  rapturous  joy  a  few  others 
spoke  of  the  love  of  Jesus ;  and  thus  closed  the 
first  class-meeting  she  had  ever  attended. 

Temptations  followed  immediately,  and  the  ad- 
versary suggested  that  there  was  "  no  need  of  tell- 
ing it  at  home  " — and  to  this  she  partly  agreed — 
but  that  she  might  speak  of  a  "very  excellent 
meeting  in  the  church."  Entering  the  sick-room 
the  first  words  that  greeted  her  were, 

"Well,  Maggie,  how  did  you  enjoy  a  Methodist 
class-meeting .''" 


EXUL  TANT  JOY.  69 

"Why,  Peter,  I  was  never  in  such  a  place  in  all 
my  life.  It  seemed  as  if  the  very  flame  of  God 
was  there — I  tell  you  it  was  glorious.  I  did  not 
hear  from  those  ladies  one  word  about  any  body's 
husband.  I  like  the  Methodist  class-meeting,  and 
brother  Watts  shall  not  have  to  urge  me  to  go 
again,  for  I  am  going." 

All  through  the  night  the  glory  of  that  hal- 
lowed hour  was  not  dimmed— sweet  communion, 
joy  and  praises,  came  gently  and  steadily,  with  the 
passing  moments.  Every  time  the  sufferer  awoke 
he  found  his  happy  wife  holding  delightful  inter- 
course with  Jesus.  Next  day  he  observed  the 
great  change  of  a  deeper  Christian  life,  as  bursts 
of  praises  rang  through  the  house.  All  day  long, 
in  the  office,  the  place  seemed  more  like  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  than  a  wholesale  drug  establish- 
ment. Several  merchants  from  the  West  came 
in  the  store  below,  heard  the  voices  above,  crept 
softly  up  the  stair-way,  and  listened  to  the  songs 
of  the  working-choir  in  the  laboratory.  That 
night  they  were  scarcely  seated  at  the  table  be- 
fore her  brother-in-law's  voice  rang  out  clear  auci 
full  with, 

"  Say,  Peter,  did  you  know  that  we  had  a  Meth- 
odist dominie  in  the  family  T' 

With  surprise  he  looked  up  and  said, 

"No;  how?" 


70  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"Why,  brother  Watts  says  Maggie  preached 
about  twenty  minutes  last  night  at  the  Duane 
Methodist  Church.  Now  we'll  be  good  folks, 
we'll  have  some  one  to  preach  for  us  in  our  own 
family." 

She  was  very  much  grieved  at  this,  and  espe- 
cially the  manner  in  which  it  was  said.  But  Mr. 
Van  Cott  replied  very  calmly, 

"If  she  never  does  any  thing  worse  than  that 
I  will  rejoice." 

This  gave  the  sinking  heart  great  courage,  and 
she  replied  firmly, 

"  I  believe  my  tongue  is  my  own,  John,  and  I 
will  use  it  when  I  please,  where  I  please,  and  as  I 
please.     Now  do  n't  say  any  thing  more  about  it." 

This  was  final,  and  the  subject  was  not  men- 
tioned again. 

The  meetings  were  attended  regularly  and  their 
beneficent  effects  began  to  tell  on  her  religious 
life.  Through  storm  and  cold,  heat  and  discour- 
agements, she  was  ever  punctual,  and  her  steady 
attendance  became  a  noted  example.  The  good 
leader,  though  deficient  in  some  things,  had  an 
abundant  store  of  Scriptural  texts  for  the  wants 
of  those  under  his  charge,  and  she  leading  the 
singing,  suited  the  hymns  to  the  thoughts  ex- 
pressed. 

Her  evenings  were  spent  at  home,  save  this  one 


EXUL TANT  JOY.  71 

mc^i.ng,  reading  books  published  by  the  "Meth- 
odist Book  Concern,"  such  as  the  Lives  of  Wes- 
ley, Fletcher,  Cartwright,  Fin-ley,  Bishop  Asbury, 
Stevens's  History  of  Methodism,  and  the  Bible 
This  was  her  first  course  of  study,  differing 
somewhat  from  the  usual  ministerial  curricc 
lum,  but,  unconscious  of  the  great  demands  of 
the  future,  she  gained  much  valuable  informa- 
tion, and,  above  all,  the  fire  of  God's  love  burned 
brightly,  and  her  joy  remained  unabated. 


CHAPTER  V. 
DEEPENING   SHADOWS. 

T  was  painfully  evident  that  the  little  re- 
maining strength  of  Mr.  Van  Cott  was 
slowly  wasting  away.  The  heat  of  the 
following  Summer  prostrated  him  greatly,  and 
was  followed  by  several  severe  spells  of  hemor- 
rhage. But  with  giant  will  he  persisted  in  going 
abroad,  taking  orders  for  preparations  compounded 
in  the  laboratory. 

In  December  a  most  fearful  attack  of  conges- 
tion on  the  brain  prostrated  Mrs.  Van  Cott.  Six 
times  the  attending  physician  called  in  one  day, 
and  at  last  said,  "There  is  no  hope."  Her  mind 
wandered  and  there  was  a  blank  in  the  record  of 
her  days.  But  life  was  spared  and  in  less  than 
two  weeks  she  was  at  work  again,  though  greatly 
weakened  by  the  stroke. 

It  was  a  fixed  purpose  to  fill  all  of  the  orders 
sent  in,  so  as  not  to  lose  the  confidence  of  the 
trade.     After    her   recovery  Mr.  Van   Cott   was 

72 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  73 

more  prostrated  than  ever.  The  fangs  of  the  de- 
stroyer had  been  fixed  in  his  bleeding  lungs,  and 
for  six  long  weeks  he  could  not  take  a  breath  of 
coM  air  without  danger.  During  all  this  time  a 
■'.cable  care  rested  upon  the  devoted,  diligenl, 
business  wife.  In  the  forenoons  she  went  reg.i' 
larly  to  the  office,  in  order  to  set  the  hands  at 
work ;  then,  when  the  most  important  business 
was  over,  she  would  return  home  to  help  the  poor 
sufferer.  The  moment  she  left  his  side  in  the 
morning,  the  sunlight  seemed  to  depart  from  the 
house,  and  all  day  long  he  counted  the  hours  and 
wished  for  her  return.  Her  cheerful  and  buoyant 
life  strengthened  his  shattered  frame  beyond  any 
power  of  the  healing  art.  About  the  middle  of 
February  he  grew  worse,  and  did  not  go  up 
to  his  room  on  the  second  floor  as  usual.  To 
his  sister,  Mrs.  Contrell,  he  remarked,  "  My  life's 
work  is  about  over."  She  arranged  for  him  a  bed 
in  the  front  parlor,  and  when  his  wife  returned 
that  afternoon  his  face  was  missed  at  the  window, 
and  on  entering  the  house,  she  found  him  in  bed. 
The  coming  shadow  swept  down  over  her  heart 
ill  a  moment,  and  she  burst  into  tears.  He  ex- 
plained the  reason  for  not  going  up  to  his  room, 
and  requested  her  not  to  weep  for  him  again  as 
long  as  he  lived.  Friends  came  over  from  Bush- 
wick  every  day  to  see  him,  so  that  during  the  last 
8 


74  ^^''a^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON   VAN  COTT. 

seventeen  days  of  his  life  over  eighty  persons 
visited  his  room.  A  new  and  strange  zeal  awak- 
ened in  his  heart  for  the  salvation  of  all  those 
around  him.  He  talked  with  each  one,  and  told 
the  sweet  story  of  Jesus  and  his  love.  From 
many,  promises  were  given,  and  solemn  vows 
were  made,  to  lead  a  new  life  and  meet  him  in 
heaven. 

During  this  time  business  was  sadly  neglected, 
and  had  to  be  given  up  entirely  for  a  few  weeks. 
It  was  a  bitter  struggle  for  the  wife  now  to 
smother  back  the  tears,  but  sometimes,  while  he 
was  talking  with  some  one,  of  heaven,  and  glory, 
in  the  sick-room,  she  would  hide  away  for  a  few 
moments  and  give  way  to  her  grief. 

To  him  the  words  of  the  Psalmist  were  ever 
precious,  and  daily  they  were  read  in  his  hearing. 
One  verse  he  repeated  over  and  over:  "Precious 
in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints." 
Strange  as  it  might  seem,  these  very  words  were 
chosen  by  the  minister  for  a  text  at  the  funeral 
though  no  one  had  solicited  the  favor. 

Those  weary  nights  of  suffering  and  watching 
passed  slowly  away.  God  was  there,  and  both 
hearts  rested  on  Him  ;  but  the  bonds  of  earthly 
ties  were  soon  to  be  severed.  One  night,  when 
all  was  silent,  and  an  unusual  stillness  reigned 
around,  the   poor   sufferer   breathed    easily  for  a 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  75 

moment,  and  the  tired  wife,  reclining  softly  by  his 
side,  they  both  fell  asleep.  She  dreamed  of 
other  days,  when  the  strong  one  was  by  her  side, 
and  heard  his  voice  saying,  "  Come,  Maggie,  I 
want  you  to  go  and  see  the  moon  shining  on  tliC 
river." 

"  Darling,  I  do  not  care  to  go,"  was  the  reply, 
"  I  do  not  want  to  go ;  I  have  seen  that  many  a 
time." 

"  Well,  but  come  and  go  just  to  please  me. 
Mrs.  Conselyea  and  Mrs.  Garrison  are  going." 

Finally,  yielding,  she  said,  "  Get  my  bonnet,  and 
I  will  go." 

Rising,  in  the  vision,  to  accompany  them,  she 
took  an  astral  lamp,  brightly  burning,  passed  into 
the  hall,  then  to  the  piazza,  where  she  stopped, 
and  looking  around,  seemed  to  be  at  her  old 
home  again,  the  same 'house  in  which  they  were 
married.  Before  her  seemed  a  dark  valley, 
gloomy  and  damp,  curtained  by  heavy  timber  on 
the  right  and  left ;  but  beyond,  over  the  tree- 
tops,  she  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  river,  the  moon- 
beams playing  brightly  with  its  wavelets.  Again 
she  said,  "I  do  not  care  to  go,  darling;  I  '11  not 
go ;  I  have  seen  it  many  a  time." 

As  he  turned  the  bright  light  fell  full  in  his 
face,  but  there  was  a  look  of  inexpressible  sad- 
ness, as  he  said,  "  Then,  I  will  go  alone."     He 


'j6  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

passed  down  the  steps  into  the  dark  valley, 
waving  his  hand,  and  throwing  back  the  loving 
kiss,  until  his  form  was  lost  in  the  deepening 
shadows. 

As  she  turned  and  entered  the  house,  a  sense 
of  loneliness  came  over  her,  known  only  to  be- 
reaved hearts.  The  door  closed  with  a  dismal 
sound,  and  she  awoke.  Mr.  Van  Cott  was  cough- 
ing severely,  and  needed  her  assistance.  As  soon 
as  he  was  easy  again  she  told  him  of  her  singular 
dream. 

"  I  will  tell  you,"  said  he,  "  what  it  means.  I 
am  going  to  die  ;  I  wish  you  could  go  with  me ; 
our  life  has  been  so  happy  ;  but  this  can  not  be ; 
I  shall  go  alone.  That  bright  light  you  held  in 
your  hand  is  the  love  of  Jesus  ;  let  it  always 
shine  upon  your  heart,  and  in  a  little  while  we 
shall  meet  in  the  better  world." 

She  well  knew  that  the  hour  drew  nigh,  and 
most  earnestly  did  she  pray  for  Divine  strength, 
that  she  might  not  close  her  eyes  in  sleep  till  the 
change  with  him  had  come.  For  fourteen  nights 
she  had  no  regular  sleep,  and  that  prayer  seemed 
literally  answered. 

The  week  previous  to  his  death  his  pastor  came 
over  from  Bushwick,  entered  the  sick-room,  talked 
of  business  matters,  and  of  this  thing  and  that, 
but  offered  no  word  of  Christian  comfort  to  the 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  jy 

dying  man,  and  when  he  was  gone  the  sufferer 
requested  that  he  be  not  admitted  again. 

By  request,  a  note  was  sent  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Parker,  of  the  Duane  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  asking  him  to  call.  He  came  at  once 
on  receiving  the  note,  entered  the  sick-room,  ^ook 
the  dying  man's  hand,  saying, 

"My  brother,  you  are  near  the  river  of  death. 
Is  Christ  with  you  ?" 

"  Thank  God,  he  is,"  exclaimed  the  child  o\  the 
Kingdom  of  Grace. 

"  Are  the  promises  very  precious  }  Are  you 
leaning  upon  the  arm  of  God  V 

He  replied, 

"  Other  refuge  have  I  none. 
Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  God." 

He  requested  brother  Parker  to  sing  for  him. 
The  minister,  being  a  most  beautiful  singer,  com- 
menced, 

"  My  latest  sun  is  sinking  fast. 
My  race  is  nearly  run, 
My  strongest  trials  now  are  past. 
My  triumph  is  begun." 

As  the  sweet  strains  moved  on,  he  turned  to  V  ii 
wife,  saying,  "  Sing,  darling,  sing." 

She  made  an  effort,  but  as  the  words  came, 

"  O  bear  me  away  on  your  snowy  wings," 

her  voice  broke  down  in  choking  sobs. 


78  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  prayer  that  followed  was  most  touchingj 
full  of  pathos,  brotherly  love,  and  Christian  faith. 
When  the  minister  had  taken  his  seat,  she  was 
requested  to  get  the  paper  containing  the  beauti- 
ful words  which  she  had  sung  over  and  ovei  for 
him,  and  which  were  finally  engraven  on  his 
tombstone : 

"  There  the  weary  may  rest,  and  the  wicked  ne'er  come ; 
There  the  saints  are  all  safe,  in  their  heavenly  home ; 
"With  their  harps  and  their  crowns,  they  forever  are  seeiv 
'Way  over  the  river  where  the  fields  are  all  green. 

CHORUS. 

0  I  want  to  cross  over  and  dwell  where  he  reigns, 
And  join  the  glad  angels  on  Eden's  fair  plains  ; 

1  want  to  be  gathered  with  all  the  redeemed, 

Yes,  over  the  river,  where  the  fields  are  all  green." 

As  soon  as  the  hymn  was  closed  the  happ)  joul 
shouted  "  Glory  to  God  !"  a  thing  he  was  never 
known  to  do  before.  This  short  season  of  devo- 
tions filled  his  soul  with  praises. 

After  the  good  pastor  had  gone,  he  turned, 
saying,  "O,  Maggie,  if  I  only  could  have  died 
then  ;  the  room  seemed  full  of  holy  fire." 

One  who  was  sitting  by  afterward  remarked, 
"  His  face  shone  like  that  of  an  angel." 

It  was  evident  that  the  days  of  his  pilgrimage 
were  drawing  to  a  close  ;  and  wishing  to  pro- 
long life  if  possible,  and  having  noticed  in  the 
paper  that  morning  the  newly  discovered  surgical 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  79 

operation  of  transfusion,  by  which  blood  from  a 
strong  person  can  be  introduced  into  the  veins 
and  circulation  of  another,  and  thereby  vitality 
increased,  and  sometimes  health  restored,  she 
insisted  this  should  be  done  for  him  ;  she  could 
leadily  spare  an  ounce  or  two  of  blood  each  day, 
and  possibly  it  might  even  partially  restore  him. 

**No,  no,"  he  answered,  "it  will  do  no  good 
now,  and  I  can  not  permit  it,  even  if  it  would  ; 
you  will  need  all  your  blood  for  your  own  scrength 
and  the  trials  before  you." 

He  turned  away  thoughtfully,  and  by  and  by 
turned  over  again,  and  said, 

"  Maggie,  I  can  not  die,  you  hold  me  so 
tightly." 

"O,  I  am  so  glad,"  was  the  reply,  "for  I  am 
sure  I  do  n't  want  you  to  die.  What  should  I 
do  .'*  I  would  have  no  one  to  love  me." 

"  My  dear,  every  body  will  love  you.  Why  do 
you  want  me  to  live }  I  am  but  a  poor,  suffering 
rack  of  bones." 

On  that  cold,  last  day  of  Winter,  he  took  her 
hands,  saying,  "  Kneel  down  here  by  my  side, 
darling,  and  just  give  me  to  God." 

While  scalding  tears  came  thick  and  fast,  she 
shook  her  head,  and  hesitated  to  take  the  step. 

"  Do  you  know,  dear,"  he  continued,  "  with  all 
your  gentle  watch-care,  with  all  your  tender  love, 


80  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

you  can  not  do  for  me  as  God  can  ?  Maggie^  give 
me  back  to  God  !" 

It  was  asking  such  a  gift  she  could  not  speak 
in  reply  ;  her  heart  was  bursting  with  grief.  Her 
playmate,  her  husband,  her  all ;  how  could  it  be ! 

Once  more  he  asked, 

"Are  you  not  a  Christian  ?  Can  you  not  trust 
your  treasure  with  God  ?  Kneel  down,  darling, 
and  give  me  to  God." 

She  knelt,  but  her  lips  were  sealed ;  she  could 
not,  for  the  moment,  utter  a  word. 

"  I  '11  tell  you  what  to  say,"  continued  he  • 
"  *  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commit  my  treasure.'  '* 

The  struggle  was  most  severe,  but  at  last  the 
words  were  uttered,  though  they  seemed  sharper 
than  a  two-edged  sword.     He  urged  again, 

"  Say  it  from  your  keai^i,  darling ;  say  it  from 
your  heart." 

Finally,  she  breathed  forth,  in  full  resignation, 
"  Lord,  I  give  my  all  to  thee ;  let  thy  righteous 
will  be  done." 

On  this  he  kissed  her  upturned  brow,  assisted 
her  to  rise,  and  said, 

"  I  knew  you  were  a  Christian,  and  could  trunl 
God." 

In  less  than  half  an  hour  from  that  moment 
the  mantle  of  the  dar^-winged  angel  of  death 
seemed    to   cover   him.     God   had   accepted   the 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  8 1 

gift.  The  death  damp  soon  began  to  gather  on 
his  brow.  His  heaving  chest  was  covered  with 
the  cold  sweat,  and,  as  she  wiped  it  away,  he  re- 
marked, 

"  Dear,  do  you  know  what  that  is  t  If  you  do, 
I  will  not  tell  you." 

She  knew  too  well  the  struggle  nature  was 
making,  and  this  was  the  last  ordeal  through 
which  it  must  pass. 

Cheerfully,  for  a  moment,  he  looked  round, 
turned  his  face  toward  the  table,  where  were 
some  nice  white  grapes,  saying, 

"Maggie,  let  us  have  a  love-feast  (sacrament). 
This  is  our  first ;  the  second  will  be  when  we 
taste  the  wine  anew  in  our  Father's  kingdom." 

As  she  placed  a  large  grape  to  his  lips,  he  re- 
fused, saying,  "  Not  me  first." 

He  then  put  one  to  her  lips,  and  they  both 
communed  together. 

Shortly  after  she  broke  the  impressive  silence 
by  saying, 

"  Darling,  would  it  make  you  feel  sad,  if  I 
should  join  the  Methodist  Church  after  you  are 
gone  T 

Quickly  he  took  her  hand  and  replied, 

"  No,  you  were  always  a  Methodist.  But  do  n't 
let  any  thing  tempt  you  to  go  again  into  the  gay- 
eties  of  the  world,  and  after  a  few  brief  days  we 


82  MRS.  MAGGIE  NFAVTON  VAN  COTT. 

will  meet  to  spend  a  glorious  eternity  together ; 
for  I  know  I  am  going  home  to  God.  But  our 
child,  Maggie!  carefully,  prayerfully  watch  her. 
I  need  not  tell  you  these  things  ;  I  know  you 
^ill  do  them.  And  now,  when  I  am  gone,  do 
not  put  a  monument  over  my  grave,  as  high  as 
Trinity  steeple  ;  save  your  money  ;  you  will  need 
every  dollar." 

Morning  dawned,  and  at  seven  o'clock  they 
thought  he  was  passing  away.  To  his  brother- 
in-law  he  said,  "  Edgar,  stand  by  Maggie  ;  help 
her  in  her  business  ;  loan  her  what  money  she 
will  need  for  the  present  emergencies.  She  will 
miss  me  very  much ;  and  may  God  reward  you 
with  a  home  in  heaven  !" 

The  two  were  alone  a  few  moments,  and  for 
the  last  time.  Sweet  thoughts  of  tenderest  part- 
ing love  were  there. 

"  Darling,"  she  said.  "  do  you  love  me  still }" 

"  O  yes,  dearest  one,  you  have  been  more  than 
a  wife  to  me.  You  have  been  the  workman  and 
the  joy  of  my  household  both.  When  I  failed, 
you  took  up  the  burdens." 

Presently  he  continued,  "Are  you  afraid  of 
dead  people,  Maggie  V* 

"  O,  no,  but  why  do  you  ask .?" 

"  I  want  you  to  hold  me  in  your  arms  when  I 
am  dying." 


DEEPENING   SHADOWS.  8$ 

"  My  dear,  I  will  certainly  do  so  if  I  know  just 
when  you  are  dying." 

''  Well,  I  will  tell  you." 

About  eleven  o'clock  he  turned,  saying, 

"  You  may  take  me  in  your  arms  now,  darling/' 

As  the  form  so  precious  was  folded  to  her 
bosom,  he  remarked,  "  O,  how  nice !" 

Half  an  hour  passed  in  solemn  silence.  The 
aged  mother  was  there,  heart-broken  and  full  of 
grief.     Reaching  his  hand  to  her,  he  said, 

"  Mother,  I  am  going  to  Jesus,  and  we  shall 
soon  meet." 

At  this  little  Sadie  sprang  from  the  room, 
crying,  "  Grandma,  I  can 't  stand  it,  I  can 't 
stand  it !" 

In  a  moment  more  her  father  called  her  full 
name,  "  Sarah  Ellen !"  and  she  returned,  exclaim- 
ing, "  What  do  you  want,  papa  .'*" 

"  I  want  you  all  by  my  side." 

In  a  few  minutes  he  cried  out, 

"  Won't  some  one  open  my  eyes  ?  won't  some 
one  open  my  eyes  ?  Mother,  won't  you  open 
them  r 

"  They  are  open,  darling  child,"  she  answered. 

The  wife  spoke  gently,  "  I  think,  dear  one, 
God  has  closed  your  eyes  on  earth,  but  I  know 
he  will  open  them  in  heaven." 

**  O,  yes,"  he  replied  with  a  smile. 


84  MRS.  MAGGIE  NFAVTON  VAN  COTT. 

Consciousness  had  returned,  and  be  was  easy 
for  a  few  moments.  The  watchers  proposed  to 
relieve  her,  who  for  two  hours  had  held  him 
in  one  position,  but,  hearing  them,  be  objected 
leobly  with,  "No,  no."  She,  of  course,  would 
not  lay  him  down  till  the  very  last. 

About  one  o'clock  they  thought  he  was  gone. 
She  laid  him  back  on  the  pillows,  and  rested  her 
head  on  his  bosom.  She  had  not  wept  much 
that  day,  but  now  her  loneliness  brought  a  flood 
of  tears.  Four  or  five  breaths  had  passed,  and 
again  she  felt  his  breast  heaving.  Immediately 
she  sprang  up,  and  gathered  his  form  again  to 
her  bosom.  Slowly  he  raised  his  hand  trem- 
blingly, and  exclaimed,  "  O,  how  beautiful ! 
Do  n't  weep,  Maggie.  Meet  me  in  heaven !" 
His  hand  fell,  and  the  brighter  rays  of  the 
sun  eternal  in  wrapped  his  soul.  She  was  alone 
now — nay,  not  alone,  for  God  was  with  her. 

The  sorrows  of  that  hour  told  upon  her  fear- 
fully, yet  she  was  sustained  and  blessed  of 
heaven  in  the  trying  ordeal.  She  now  retired 
to  her  own  room  for  a  little  rest.  Fouiteen 
nights  had  passed  since  she  had  been  here  to 
seek  repose.  Prayer  was  sweet,  the  everlasting 
arms  were  about  her,  and  the  Comforter  was 
there  speaking  gently,  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  en'-i-  of  the  world." 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  8$ 

In  the  morning  the  scenes  of  the  previous  night 
passed  vividly  before  her.  The  hour  of  darkness 
and  the  shadow  of  death,  the  dream  of  the  night, 
when  she  saw  the  dark  valley  and  the  thick 
woods,  the  loneliness  of  the  cold,  cold  world, 
was  too  much  for  the  crushed  nature  to  endure. 
She  entered  the  room  of  death,  fell  beside  the 
corpse,  pillowed  her  head  on  the  lifeless  bosom, 
and,  in  wild  and  crushing  sorrow,  talked  to  him 
again.  She  took  his  arm  and  put  it  around  her 
neck,  but  there  was  no  drawing,  no  loving  press- 
ure. The  thought  of  life  extinct,  spirit  gone, 
and  nothing  left  but  clay,  was  too  much  for  the 
bleeding  heart.  And  yet  she  remembered  that 
the  jewel  was  with  her  God,  free  from  the 
anguish  and  dreadful  sufferings  of  life. 

When  she  arose  the  clean  linen  over  the  bosom 
of  the  corpse  was  all  wet  with  her  tears.  Friends 
led  her  to  the  morning  meal,  but,  though  the 
viands  of  earth  were  there  and  friends  to  com- 
fort, yet  she  could  not  relish  a  morsel  of  food. 
The  day  wore  away  heavily.  Friends  came  in 
large  numbers  to  see  the  dead,  and  the  ministry 
to  pray  for  the  widow  and  the  fatherless,  and  on 
the  day  following  preparations  were  made  for  the 
funeral. 

She  thought  nothing  would  be  more  appro- 
priate  than  some   emblem  of  his    spotless   life. 


86  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  These  are  they  which  have  come  up  out  of 
great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes, 
and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb," 
was  ever  before  her  as  she  helped  with  her  own 
hands  to  prepare  that  garment  emblematical  of 
the  righteousness  of  the  saints. 

The  services  at  the  house  were  short  and  full 
of  tenderest  sympathy  with  the  afflicted.  A  few 
remarks,  a  fervent  prayer,  a  song  of  faith  and 
triumph,  and  the  corpse  passed  over  to  old  Bush- 
wick  Church,  where  his  name  had  been  held  as  a 
member  from  childhood.  The  same  choir  which 
he  had  led  for  years  sang  to  the  tune  of  Dennis, 

"And  must  this  body  die, 

This  well-wrought  frame  decay  ? 
And  must  these  active  limbs  of  mine 
Lie  moldering  in  the  clay?" 

Through  her  mind  thoughts  came  struggling  rap- 
idly. Down  this  same  aisle  he  had  attended  her 
the  Sabbath  after  they  were  married.  On  the 
same  spot  where  his  body  rested  they  had  dedi- 
cated their  two  children  to  God  in  holy  baptism. 
One  was  by  her  side  ;  the  other  was  not,  for  God 
nad  taken  it.  Half  of  the  little  family  had  gone 
on  before. 

The  sermon  over,  almost  the  entire  congrega- 
tion desired  to  see  again  the  face  of  him  they 
loved.     When  they  led  her  to  the  coffin  for  the 


DEEPENING  SHADOWS.  8/ 

last  time  she  felt  quite  resigned  to  the  will  of 
God,  far  differently  now  than  when  at  the  funeral 
of  little  Rachel.  Then  she  was  rebellious  in 
heart ;  now  a  holy  peace  settled  down  over  her 
soul.  The  last  look  was  indeed  sad,  but  the  glo- 
rious thought,  "  We  shall  meet  again,"  strength- 
ened her  for  the  hour  of  trial.  The  gentle  voice 
of  the  minister  was  heard  saying,  "  He  is  not 
dead,  but  sleepeth." 

They  waited  for  her  last  farewell.  The  sobs 
came.  What  else  could  be  expected  }  They  had 
loved  each  other  tenderly,  and  she  was  left  to  feel 
the  sorrow  of  loneliness.  As  she  bent  over  the 
cofhn  many  passages  of  Scripture  were  suggested 
by  the  Heavenly  Father :  "  Be  not  dismayed,  for 
I  am  thy  God  :  I  will  strengthen  thee  ;  yea,  I 
will  help  thee  ;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the 
right-hand  of  my  righteousness ;"  "  Lo,  I  am 
with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world  ;" 
"  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return  to 
me."  As  she  left  the  church  her  only  brother, 
Mr.  Isaac  Newton,  put  his  arm  around  and  sup- 
ported her,  but  the  "  everlasting  arms  "  of  Jesus 
were  felt  even  more  precious  than  those  of  a 
brother. 

Seven  miles  away,  in  the  beautiful  cemetery 
of  New  Lotts,  Mr.  Van  Cott  had  selected  a  spot 
for  himself  and  family  as  their  last  resting-place 


88  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  open  grave,  and  the  solemn  "dust  to  dust, 
ashes  to  ashes,"  and  the  rumble  of  the  cold 
clods  upon  the  coffin,  awakened  fresh  emotion 
and  sharpest  grief.  She  turned  away  with  an 
earnest  desire  that  when  life's  great  battle  with 
her  was  over,  when  the  work  was  faithfully  done, 
when  unseen  messengers  had  attended  her  spirit 
through  the  trackless  void  to  the  bosom  of  the 
Redeemer,  that  some  .^;jd  hands  would  lay  her 
body  by  the  side  of  his,  that  they  together  might 
arise  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  and  be 

"Forever  with  the  Lord." 


CHAPTER  VI. 


RESUMING   BUSINESS, 


HE  LEADS  US  ON. 

Hr  leads  us  on, 

By  paths  we  do  not  know  ; 
Upward  He  leads  us,  though  our  steps  be  slow, 
Ihough  oft  we  faint  and  falter  by  the  way, 
Though  storms  and  darkness  oft  obscure  the  day ; 

Yet  when  the  clouds  are  gone, 

We  know  He  leads  us  on. 

He  leads  us  on 

Through  all  the  unquiet  years ; 
Past  all  our  dream-land  hopes,  and  doubts  and  feaf% 
He  guides  our  steps.     Thro'  all  the  tangled  mare 
Of  sin,  of  sorrow,  and  o'erclouded  days, 

We  know  His  will  is  done, 

And  still  He  leads  us  on. 

And  He,  at  last, 
After  the  wear>'  stnlc, 
After  the  restless  fever  we  call  life — 
After  the  dreariness,  the  aching  pain— 
The  many  struggles  which  have  proved  in  vain- 
After  our  toils  are  past- 
Will  give  us  rest  at  last. 

jABBATH  morning  came — one  of  those 
lovely  days,  so  full  of  splendor  and  joy 
that    all    Christian    hearts    are   glad   to 
seek  the  sanctuary  of  God.     Some  of  the  kindred 
thought  it  would  not  be  prudent  for  her  to  attend 
9  89 


90  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

Church  that  day;  but,  in  the  language  of  tk^ 
Psalmist,  she  could  say,  "My  soul  longeth,  yea, 
even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord."  And 
then  she  had  determined  to  unite  with  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  immediately,  and 
have  a  permanent  home  with  the  people  of  her 
choice. 

As  she  entered  the  house  of  God  her  first 
thought  was  of  the  portals  of  heaven,  which  had 
just  been  opened  to  receive  the  weary  one  of  earth, 
and  that  this  was  his  first  Sabbath  in  heaven. 
And  then  the  grand  hymn,  in  which  all  the  con- 
gregation joined,  reminded  her  of  that  multitude 
whose  voice  is  as  the  sound  of  many  waters.  The 
prayer  of  the  minister  was  just  what  her  hungry 
soul  wanted  ;  and  when  he  remembered  the  be- 
reaved, and,  at  last,  mentioned  her  name,  the 
audience  was  bathed  in  tears.  The  sermon  was 
marrow  and  fatness  to  her  soul,  and  was  a  source 
of  great  strength.  When  the  services  were  ended 
the  minister  met  her  with, 

"God  bless  you,  my  dear  sister;  rejoice,  for 
your  loved  one  is  home  in  glory." 

She  then  informed  him  of  her  desire  to  join 
the  Church, 

He  said,  "We  will  receive  you  into  full  mem- 
bership at  once." 

But   she   replied,  "  I  want  to  join  on   proba- 


RESUMING  BUS /NESS.  91 

tion,  and  commence  on  the  lowest  round  of  the 
ladder." 

He  announced  the  fact  to  the  retiring  people, 
and  requested  any  others  who  desired  to  give  in 
their  names  to  be  present  at  the  afternoon  serv- 
ices. The  church  was  nearly  full  at  that  hour ; 
and  she  became  identified  with  a  people  to  whom 
she  had  been  attached  from  her  youth. 

The  week  was  spent  mostly  at  home,  arrang- 
ing a  new  wardrobe,  and,  save  to  attend  the  class 
and  prayer  meetings,  she  did  not  leave  home 
during  the  time. 

On  Monday  she  went  again  to  the  store,  where 
she  found  much  confusion.  The  foreman  in  charge 
had  filled  the  orders  so  far  as  he  was  able,  but  the 
hands  employed  would  not  do  much  unless  she 
was  present.  And  then  it  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  her  to  visit  the  different  routes  of  former 
travel  and  solicit  fresh  orders.  Frequently  she 
was  absent  three  days  at  a  time,  and  then  the 
work  suffered  in  the  laboratory. 

It  became  apparent,  after  a  trial  of  some  three 
months,  that  there  must  be  a  change  in  the  busi- 
ness. She  therefore  closed  her  engagement  with 
the  owners  at  41  Dey-street,  and  rented,  an  office 
.  n  Greenwich-street,  turning  her  entire  attention 
to  filling  orders,  while  others  manufactured  and 
did  the  shipping.     This  line  of  business  was  not 


92  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

without  its  trials,  of  long  journeys,  the  meeting 
of  new  business  firms,  while  now  and  then  an  old 
and  friendly  acquaintance  was  sure  to  want  to 
know  all  about  the  sickness  and  death  of  Mr.  Van 
Cott.  The  sad  story  must,  of  necessity,  be  told 
3ver  and  over,  and  still  the  reality  to  her  heart 
was  ever  the  same.  It  will  not  be  amiss  to  give 
a  single  specimen,  which  was  the  first  journey 
after  her  sad  trial : 

"  Left  New  York  on  the  8,  A.  M.,  train  ;  arrived 
at  Bconton,  N.  J.,  after  a  ride  of  thirty-five  miles 
by  rail  and  five  by  stage,  over  hill  and  dale — visit- 
ing numerous  merchants  during  the  entire  after- 
noon. In  the  evening  attended  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  where  a  revival  of  religion  was 
in  progress.  Retired  about  midnight.  Arose; 
took  the  stage  at  6,  A.  M. ;  rode  five  miles  to 
Denville,  a  village  of  two  houses.  The  morning 
was  bitterly  cold,  snow  a  foot  deep  on  the  aver- 
age, while  here  and  there  were  immense  drifts. 
Pushed  on  to  Rockaway,  three  and  a  half  miles 
further.  The  last  journey  was  undertaken  on 
foot,  sachel  in  hand,  sinking  deeply  in  the  snow 
at  every  step,  veil  covered  with  frost  and  snow." 

The  necessity  of  such  a  journey  was  apparent. 
Arriving  at  the  principal  drug-store,  she  was  al«* 
most  exhausted.  They  seated  her  near  the  fire, 
and,  after  the  ice-bound  veil  was  thawed   from 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  93 

the  victorine,  she  looked  around  at  the  persons 
present.  The  silver-haired  merchant  approached, 
when  she  handed  hii^  a  photograph,  asking, 

"Do  you  recognise  that  countenance?" 

"O  yes,"  was  thp  reply;  "that  was  a  particular 
friend  of  mine." 

"  That  was  my  Jiusband,  sir,"  she  continued. 

"  Why,  Mrs.  Vin  Cott !  What  are  you  doing 
out  here  this  bitter  cold  morning  T' 

"  I  am  trying  to  earn  my  bread,  sir,  and  I  would 
like  to  get  your  order." 

"  How  did  you  get  over  from  Denville  ?" 

"  I  walked,"  she  replied. 

TurniDj^  quickly  to  his  son,  he  said,  "Here, 
give  Mis.  Van  Cott  an  order,  for  Heaven's  sake, 
and  be  ?.ure  and  get  in  every  item  we  are  out  of" 

In  a  few  minutes  a  hundred  and  seventy-five 
dollar  order  fully  compensated  her  for  the  toil- 
some walk.  With  heart  overflowing  to  God,  and 
her  order-book  blotted  somewhat  with  the  tears 
of  gratitude,  she  left  the  store,  with  many  thanks, 
to  visit  some  four  more,  and  then  walk  nearly 
three-quarters  of  a  mile,  in  time  to  take  the  train. 
She  reached  the  depot,  having  a  margin  of  ten 
Tninutes  to  spare,  which  she  devoted  to  a  good 
hearty  cry. 

Some  weeks  after  a  scene  occurred  here,  which 
we  pause  to  narrate.    The  ticket  agent,  seeing  the 


94  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

lady  at  the  depot  at  stated  intervals,  naturally,  in 
a  short  time,  passed  the  accustomed  salutations 
of  the  day.     At  first  it  was, 

"Good  morning — cold  day.  How  do  you  find 
business  .-*" 

Again : 

"  Did  you  ever  see  the  operations  of  the  tele- 
graph r 

She  never  had — was  glad  to  see  it — and  at  once 
was  delighted  with  its  wonders.  But  her  heart 
being  warmed  with  the  Divine  Spirit,  she  re- 
marked, 

"What  is  this  compared  with  the  might  and 
power  of  God,  whose  Word  could  speak  worlds 
from  naught  V 

He  replied,  "That's  so." 

She  asked,  "  Sir,  do  you  love  God  V 

"  Indeed  I  do,  with  all  my  heart ;  and  I  am 
living  by  faith  on  the  Son  of  God." 

Her  heart  leaped  for  joy,  and  she  very  natu- 
rally continued, 

"  To  what  Church  do  you  belong .?" 

"  Well,  to  tell  the  truth,  I  do  n't  belong  to  any 
Church,  or  attend  any  particular  one." 

Surprised  she  answered, "  That  is  strange ;  do  n't 
vou  think  it  is  your  duty  and  privilege  .-*" 

"  Well,  yes,  I  know  it  is.  but  the  fact  is,  I  think 
consistency  is  a  jewel,  and  as  I  am  instrumental 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  95 

in  bringing  about  ^30,000  worth  of  lager  beer  into 
this  place  every  year,  I  did  not  think  it  would  be 
consistent  to  unite  with  the  Church." 

*'  But,  sir,  do  n't  you  think  it  is  very  wrong  ?  and 
besides  I  thought  you  were  living  by  faith,  but, 
sir,  you  live  by  lager  beer.  Why  do  n't  you  give  il 
up  and  trust  in  God  ?" 

"  But  stop  a  moment,  I  have  a  wife  and  four  chil- 
dicn,  and  you  know  my  pay  at  this  depot  is  very 

small." 

"  I  admit  that,  but  you  know,  if  the  Lord  is 
your  Shepherd,  he  has  promised  to  provide,  and 
his  promises  can  never  fail." 

The  train  arrived,  and  with  a  "  God  bless  you 
and  help  you  to  do  right,"  she  passed  on  her  jour- 
ney, thinking  of  the  strange  way  many  "live  by 
faith  on  the  Son  of  God,"  when  sight  and  self-in- 
terest predominate. 

But  to  return  to  the  first  journey.  A  ride  of 
twelve  miles  brought  her  to  Stanhope  again; 
walked  three-fourths  of  a  mile  to  the  village,  and 
for  two  hours  she  sped  from  store  to  store,  kindly 
received  by  all.  By  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  active 
work  was  done  for  the  day,  and  she  stopped  at 
deUghtful  hotel  kept  by  a  Quaker  blessed  with  a 
son  and  five  grown  daughters,  who  gave  her  a 
most  cordial  welcome.  She  spent  the  afternoon 
reading  sermons  and  singing  some  of  the  sweet 


96  MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

songs  of  Zion.  After  supper  she  was  taken  to 
the  depot,  and  took  the  train  for  Hackettstown, 
N.  J.,  twelve  miles  distant ;  sent  her  sachel  and 
shawl  by  the  hotel  coach,  with  orders  for  a  good 
warm  room,  while  she  stopped  at  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  to  get  her  soul  refreshed  from  the 
communion  of  saints  and  the  bounties  of  heaven. 

Retired  at  ten,  P.  M.,  to  rise  at  five  and  break- 
fast at  six;  then  with  hired  conveyance  crossed 
Schoolley's  Mountain  and  took  orders  in  a  little 
village,  returning  at  9,  A.  M.,  in  time  to  visit  all  the 
drug-stores  in  Hackettstown  before  noon.  Reached 
the  hotel,  dined  at  one,  and  at  2,  P.  M.,  was  on  the 
train  for  New  York  city. 

On  the  way,  with  Bible  in  hand,  she  looked  up 
a  subject  to  speak  from  at  one  of  the  Mission 
meetings  that  evening. 

At  5.30,  P.  M.,  stopped  at  a  restaurant,  then 
hastened  to  the  Mission,  where  happy  hearts 
awaited  her  coming.  A  little  before  midnight 
she  reached  home,  where  little  Sadie  waited  and 
wished  for  dear  mamma.  That  evening  prayer 
was  sweet  and  angels  guarded  while  mother  and 
child  slept.  Morning  came  and  the  active  worker 
committed  her  child  to  the  care  of  that  God  who 
had  promised  to  be  a  Father  to  the  fatherless,  and 
?  friend  to  the  widow. 

It  generally  took  two  days  to   select   and   fill 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  97 

Che  orders  obtained.  The  Sabbath  following  was 
one  of  deep  and  solemn  interest,  and  with  a  full 
heart  she  could  sing — 

"  Welcome,  sweet  day  of  rest." 

One  cold  Winter  night  at  Hackettstown,  as  she 
entered  the  depot  to  take  the  6.30  train,  some 
thirty  rough-looking  railroad  men  were  there 
awaiting  the  same  train.  Looking  around  she 
saw  no  other  lady  present,  and  she  naturally  felt 
a  little  timid.  She  soon  learned  that  those  men, 
though  clad  in  a  rough  garb,  were  perfect  gentle- 
men in  language  and  behavior ;  not  one  profane 
word  escaped  their  lips.  A  few  moments  after 
purchasing  her  ticket,  a  telegram  came  saying  the 
train  had  broken  down  thirty-five  miles  below, 
and  would  not  arrive  until  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning. 

Several  of  the  workmen  left  for  the  hotel  while 
she  sat  reading.  Presently  the  son  of  the  land- 
lord came  in  saying,  "  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  mother  and 
the  girls  sent  for  you  to  come  right  back,  and 
we  '11  have  a  glorious  time.  You  can  have  a  prayer- 
meeting  if  you  want  to."  Knowing  the  work  be- 
fore her,  and  the  meeting  at  the  Five  Points,  she 
declined,  hoping  the  train  would  arrive  sooner 
than  announced.  With  the  Book  of  Psalms  and 
her  needle-work,  the  moments  flew  rapidly,  when 
soon  another  dispatch  said  the  train  would  arrive 


98  iVRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

at  1 1,30.  On  the  cars  she  expected  to  meet  some 
one  of  the  many  merchants  of  her  acquaintance, 
but  not  one  was  there.  It  was  past  midnight 
when  she  arrived  at  the  next  place  of  destination. 

The  coach  was  not  in  waiting,  and  it  was  a  full 
mile  to  the  hotel.  In  the  depot  a  good  warm  fire 
was  burning,  and  she  asked  the  privilege  of  re- 
maining there  till  morning.  The  ticket  agent 
asked,  "  Where  do  you  wish  to  go .?" 

"To  the  Warren  House,"  she  replied. 

"  I  am  going  part  of  the  way,  and  will  see  you 
all  right." 

They  started  out ;  the  keen  frosty  air  bit  the 
face  and  fingers  of  the  travelers.  But  this  was 
of  little  account ;  the  stars  shone  brightly  in  the 
great  dome  of  heaven  as  they  chatted  and  passed 
on  rapidly.  After  a  walk  of  about  two  blocks  the 
gentleman  said,  "  I  live  down  this  street.  I  pre- 
sume my  wife  will  think  I  have  been  hurt  by  the 
accident,  if  I  do  not  come  soon," 

He  hesitated  a  moment,  when  she  remarked, 
"  I  am  not  a  bit  afraid.  Good-night ;  God  bless 
you ;  haste  to  your  waiting  ones." 

As  the  light  of  his  lantern  and  receding  foot- 
steps were  lost  in  the  bend  of  the  road,  she,  for 
the  first  time,  remembered  that  she  was  alone, 
Down  the  whole  length  of  the  street  not  a  form 
was  to  be  seen,  not  the  glimmer  of  a  light  to 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  99 

cheer  the  way,  while  close  by  the  road  she  had 
to  pass  two  grave-yards.  She  well  knew  the 
pale-faced  sleepers  could  not  harm  her,  and  would 
not  if  they  could,  but  at  that  ghostly  hour  the 
shudders  would  come  in  spite  of  her  strongest 
resolution. 

Firmly  treading  the  frozen  ground,  and  s*.nging 
almost  aloud,  she  hurried  forward,  but  each  mo- 
ment becoming  more  and  more  nervous.  She  re- 
membered the  lonely  mound  in  the  New  Lotts 
Church-yard  where  slept  the  form  of  her  com- 
panion, and  how  gladly  he  would  hasten  to  her 
side,  did  not  the  cold  hand  of  death  bind  him. 

She  thought  of  her  child,  her  friends  one  by 
one,  her  strange  lot,  and  beneath  that  star-lit  sky, 
her  life  passed  quickly  in  review  before  her 
mind.  Her  fears  were  fast  overcoming  her,  when 
the  panting  heart  was  uplifted  to  God  in  prayer. 
Right  earnestly  did  she  look  to  the  God  of  Elijah, 
and  then  came  again  the  words  of  Scripture,  "  Lo 
I  am  with  you  alway ;"  "  I  will  be  thy  God.*^ 
But  she  said,  "  Father,  thy  child  is  so  fearful ; 
O,  send  an  angel  to  comfort ;  nay,  come  thyself, 
dear  Savior,  and  stand  by  me  this  lonely  nour  !" 

In  a  moment  more,  not  ten  paces  before  her, 
she  saw  a  gentleman  standing,  wondering,  doubt- 
less, why  the  lady  was  there  unattended.  She 
could  not  cry  ;    her   heart-blood  seemed  frozen  ; 


TOO         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

and,  with  a  fervent  "God  help  me!"  she  struck 
her  hymn-tune  a  key  higher,  planted  her  feet 
more  heavily  on  the  pavement,  and  pressed  on. 
The  gentleman  had  good  common  sense,  kept  in 
the  middle  of  the  street,  leaving  to  the  affrighted 
one  the  entire  sidewalk.  The  grave-yards  were 
passed,  and  she  reached  the  hotel  in  safety, 
where  a  warm  room  was  in  waiting.  She  sank 
upon  the  floor,  and  gave  thanks  to  God  that  the 
anguish  of  that  dreadful  hour  was  over.  The 
words  of  Job  were  precious  :  "  He  shall  deliver 
thee  in  six  troubles  ;  yea,  in  seven  there  shall  no 
evil  touch  thee." 

Next  morning,  when  seated  in  the  dining-room, 
the  landlord  came,  saying,  "  I  had  a  gentleman 
call  this  morning  and  asked  who  the  lady  was 
that  arrived  on  the  late  train  }  I  told  him  it  must 
have  been  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  as  we  had  been  look- 
ing for  her,  and  he  remarked,  'Never  did  my 
heart  so  ache  for  a  lady  ;  I  did  not  dare  speak  to 
her  ;  I  knew  she  was  frightened,  by  the  trembling 
of  her  voice  ;  and  I  shall  never  forget  the  hymn 
she  sung.' " 

"  Tell  the  gentleman  I  prayed  God  to  bless 
him,  and  ever  shall  when  I  think  of  that  hour/ 

The  first  time  she  entered  the  village  of  Boon- 
ton,  N,  J.,  being  a  stranger  to  all  in  the  place,  she 
ordered  the  stage  to  stop  at  William  Graham's, 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  lOI 

the  first  name  on  the  Hst  in  her  order-book.  She 
alighted,  and  with  quivering  hp  and  throbbing 
heart,  entered  the  store.  Behind  the  counter 
stood  a  good-natured  gentleman,  to  whom  she 
handed  one  of  her  order  cards. 

"Do  you  know  that  name.''  My  name  is  Mrs 
P.  P.  Van  Cott.  Will  you  please  give  me  your 
order,  sir .?" 

This  was  about  all  ©he  could  say,  and  she 
paused  for  his  reply. 

"  How  is  Peter,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  ?"  he  asked, 
very  tenderly. 

This  was  the  drop  too  much,  and  she  burst  into 
tears.  Presently  she  answered,  "He  is  well,  for 
he  is  with  his  God.  Will  you  give  me  your 
order .?  I  intend  to  carry  on  the  business  ;  you 
need  not  fear  to  trust  me." 

"  I  have  no  fear  ;  Peter  often  told  me  you  did 
the  whole  of  the  business  save  taking  the  orders ; 
of  course  you  shall  have  all  of  my  trade  ;  I  wish  it 
was  larger.  But  you  have  not  been  to  dinner ; 
come,  go  into  the  house,  and  let  me  introduce 
you  to  my  sister  ;  she  thought  very  highly  of  Mr. 
Van  Cott." 

"  No,  I  thank  you  ;  I  am  on  my  way  to  the 
hotel,  but  will  call  this  evening  and  see  your 
sister." 

*'  No,"  he  replied,  '  go  now  ;"  and  she  followed 


I02        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

into  a  cozy  sitting-room,  where  a  modest,  shrink- 
ing lady  met  them.  As  soon  as  they  were  intro- 
duced, and  seated,  she  asked,  as  her  brother 
retired, 

"  How  is  Mr.  Van  Cott .?  We  have  wanted  to 
hear ;  and  brother  expected  to  visit  New  York 
next  week,  and  intended  to  call  at  the  office,  as 
we  were  out  of  goods.  Tell  me,  how  is  he } 
Yet  I  need  not  ask  ;  I  read  it  in  your  face  and 
dress.  How  long  has  he  been  gone .''"  The  time 
was  stated ;  and  then,  **  How  long  was  he  con- 
fined to  the  house  ?"  and  several  other  of  the  usual 
questions. 

The  whole  story  was  told  ;  and  the  two,  per- 
fect strangers  until  that  hour,  unconsciously 
joined  hands,  and  wept  together,  while  the  un- 
seen hand  of  the  Savior  cemented  them  in  a  bond 
of  lasting  friendship. 

"  Lay  aside  your  bonnet,  and  have  some  din- 
ner ;  we  have  just  arisen." 

"  No,  thank  you ;  I  want  to  get  to  the  hotel, 
and  my  room  ;  then  I  have  much  work  to  do  this 
afternoon,  as  I  must  leave  with  the  morning 
stage." 

"  Won't  you  allow  me  the  pleasure  of  your  com- 
pany during  this  visit .?"  was  spoken  so  gently, 
that  Mrs.  Van  Cott's  consent  was  quickly  gained. 
Soon  after  dinner   she   hastened    abroad    to  het 


RESUMING  BUSINESS.  lOj 

work,  and  returned  in  due  time  to  spend  a  very 
pleasant  evening  with  that  sister  and  brother,  in 
their  deHghtful  home. 

The  next  visit  to  Boonton  she  drove  immedi- 
ately to  the  hotel,  so  as  not  to  appear  intrusive, 
and  after  dinner,  sallied  forth  for  her  orders.  By 
the  time  she  had  reached  Mr.  Graham's  store,  she 
was  told  that  her  sachel  and  shawl  were  with 
sister  Jennie,  and  the  hotel  bill  paid,  and  the 
landlord  notified  that  if  he  was  ever  known  to  let 
a  room,  or  give  a  meal  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  while 
William  and  Jennie  Graham  lived  in  town,  he 
should  be  dealt  with  according  to  law.  The 
joke  was  seen,  and  the  hearty  welcome  duly  ap- 
preciated. 


CHAPTER  Vll. 


MISSION   WORK. 


BOUT  the  middle  of  April,  a  lady  friend, 
expecting  to  be  absent  from  the  city, 
asked  Mrs.  Van  Cott  to  take  her  class 
in  the  Sunday-school  of  the  Duane-Street  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church. 

She  was  answered  by  a  most  emphatic  "  No." 
But  Mrs.  Van  Cott  thought  that  a  little  rude,  and 
then  explained  by  giving  several  reasons — that 
she  was  incompetent  to  teach  that  which  she  un- 
derstood so  poorly  ;  that  Bible-class  instruction 
was  entirely  new  to  her ;  and  that  she  would  not 
dare  to  make  the  attempt.  The  lady  still  urged 
her  case,  stating  that  there  was  no  one  in  the 
Church  whom  the  girls  would  so  gladly  receive  as 
a  teacher. 

"  Will  you  pray  over   the  matter,  and  let  me 
know  before  the  coming  Sabbath.-*" 
104 


MISSION  WORK.  105 

"  No ;  I  will  not  pray  for  a  thing  I  do  not 
want,'*'  was  the  firm  reply. 

"  But  if  God  wants  you  co  do  it,  would  you  be 
willing  ?" 

"  Yes ;  if  God  wants  me  to  do  it  I  am  willing, 
for  then  he  will  help  me."  And  with  a  smiling 
"good-night,"  she  promised  to  ask  the  Divine 
guidance. 

At  the  family  altar  that  evening  the  promise 
was  forgotten  ;  but  just  as  she  arose  from  a  sea- 
son of  secret  prayer,  later  at  night,  the  subject 
flashed  before  her.  She  presented  the  question 
plainly  to  the  Lord,  pleading  for  his  direction, 
and  then  opened  the  Bible  for  a  proof  text  of  his 
approval,  when  her  eye  rested  upon  the  follow- 
ing :  "  See  ye  him  whom  the  Lord  hath  chosen, 
that  there  is  none  like  him  among  all  the  people 
of  Israel." 

The  question  was  settled  in  a  moment ;  God 
certainly  had  "chosen"  her  for  this  work,  and  she 
dared  not  disobey. 

In  due  time  the  lady  was  informed  of  her  com- 
pliance, and  that  she  would  do  the  best  in  her 
power  to  instruct  the  class. 

From  the  interest  awakened  in  the  heaits  of 

those   young    ladies,   several   became   thoughtful 

and  were  soon  converted  to  God. 

The  second  Sabbath  in  May,  1866,  while  await- 
10 


I06        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

ing  the  opening  of  Church  services,  Rev.  James 
Burdick  asked  if  Sarah,  her  daughter,  might  as- 
sist them  in  the  mission  work  by  playing  on  the 
organ  that  afternoon. 

Desiring  to  know  where  it  was  located,  she  was 
told  that  it  was  one  of  the  city  mission  stations 
on  the  Five  Points.  At  this  she  was  nearly 
"  horrified,"  but  finally  gave  her  consent,  provid- 
ing the  daughter  would  be  well  cared  for  by  Mr. 
Burdick  every  minute,  till  her  return.  This  he 
promised  should  be  faithfully  done. 

In  a  moment  more  a  thought  darted  through 
her  brain,  "Go  yourself"  While  the  congrega- 
tion was  singing,  brother  Burdick  was  informed 
of  her  desire  to  go,  and  was  glad  to  have  her  aid 
in  singing. 

There  was  no  small  commotion  at  the  dinner- 
table  that  day,  when  the  family  learned  the  plans 
arranged  for  the  afternoon.  Mr.  Contrell,  the 
brother-in-law,  entered  his  protest,  showing  how 
it  would  demean  her  in  his  estimation,  and  how 
the  departed  one,  if  alive,  would  not  consent  to 
any  such  unlady-like  proceedings.  Dinner  over, 
immediate  preparations  were  made  for  the  journey. 

By  this  time  Sarah  began  to  hesitate  consider- 
ably from  what  had  been  said  at  the  table,  by  her 
uncle  and  others.  However,  they  were  soon  at 
No.    122   Leonard-street,   near  Elm,  where  they 


MISSION  WORK.  J07 

found  a  neat  little  room  well  fitted  up,  and  about 
♦wenty  persons  assembled,  who,  with  Rev.  Charles 
Battersby,  and  the  missionary,  Rev,  Mr.  Burdick. 
awaited  their  coming. 

To  her  all  was  strange  and  novel.  When  the 
services  commenced  she  took  her  seat  m  the 
office  a  place  partitioned  6ff  from  the  mam  room, 
where  stood  the  melodeon.  While  the  daughter 
played,  the  mother  led  the  singing. 

Not  much  of  that  sermon  was  retained  by  the 
visitors.     Mrs.  Van  Cotfs  thoughts  were  on  the 
surrounding   motley   group.     They  were   mostly 
adults   and   very   poorly   clad.     There    was   one 
in  particular,  whose  swollen,  red  face  and  bleared 
eyes   told   of  the  cups   of  woe   just  taken  ;    and 
though  she  made  repeated  efforts  to  keep  awake 
during  the    singing,    yet   as   soon   as    that    was 
over  the  Five  Points'  whisky  obtained  the  mas- 
tery'   At  this  horrid  sight  nature  revolted,  and 
the  mother  heartily  wished  she  were  away.     Any 
thino-   unsightly  or    uncleanly  would   mvariably 
awaken  the  most  disagreeable  feelings,  and  here 
was  one  who  completely  filled  the  bill.     By  and 
l,y  .Ve  felt  her  soul  going  out  in  prayer  for  the 
wretched   creature,  desiring  to  do  somethmg  to 
save  her  from  utter  ruin. 

At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  as  she  was  stand- 
ing by  the  hand-railing  of  the  office,  and  the  con- 


108          MRS.  MAGGIE  JVEWTQN  VAN  COTT. 

g-regation  passing  out,  the  poor  inebriate  came 
along.  Mrs.  Van  Cott  quickly  extended  her  hand 
and  exclaimed,  "You're  a  poor  soul,  an't  you?" 
The  wretched  one  drew  near  and  clasped  the  ex- 
'e  ided  hand  and  replied, 

"  O,  [  'm  a  miserable  drunkard  !" 
"  Why  do  n't  you  give  it  up .?"  asked  Mrs.  Van 
Cott. 

"  Did  you  ever  try  to  give  up  a  besettin'  sin  ?" 
"  Jesus  will  help  you,  if  you  will  try." 
The  poor  soul  piteously  asked,  "  Will  you  pray 
for  me.?"  This  was  a  startling  inquiry,  the  first 
request  of  the  kind  ever  made  to  her,  and  she 
quickly  answered,  "  I  will  if  you  will  pray  for 
yourself"  The  wretched  one  staggered  along, 
rum  doing  its  work,  destroying  all  that  was  good, 
and  leaving  only  that  which  was  hideous. 

This  scene  awoke  in  the  mind  of  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  a  most  fervent  desire  to  battle  the  monster 
intemperance,  and  pour  a  withering  flame  of 
rebuke  upon  any  who  gave  aid,  countenance, 
influence,  or  votes  in  support  of  the  nefarious 
traffic. 

On  her  way  home  she  could  scarcely  refrain 
from  crying  out  against  professed  Christians  who 
stand  as  idle  spectators  of  the  dreadful  scenes  of 
death  and  ruin,  in  this  land  of  the  free  and  home 
of  the  brave. 


MISSION  WORK.  IC9 

As  the  last  ones  were  leaving  the  house  brothei 
JBurdick  smilingly  turned  to  her,  saying, 

"  Sister,  what  do  you  think  of  this  ?" 

"  This  is  nice,"  was  the  reply. 

She  was  introduced  to  the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  Bat- 
tersby,and  thought  it  strange  that  this,  the  Sixth 
Ward  Mission,  supported  by  Baptist,  Presbyte- 
rian, and  Congregational  denominations,  should 
be  run  by  two  Methodist  clergymen.  After  this 
a  further  conversation  was  held,  which  was  pro- 
ductive of  happy  results. 

"Brother  Burdick,  do  you  have  any  meetings 
during  the  week  .?"  she  asked. 

"  No ;  we  have  been  two  weeks  in  getting  these 
out,  and  it  would  be  impossible  to  get  them  to 
attend  a  meeting  during  the  week." 

"  I  do  n't  know,  but  it  seems  to  me  they  would 
come  out." 

"Most  likely.  I  may  know  more  of  mission 
work  than  you,  having  been  in  it  for  thirty-five 
years." 

"True,  so  you  may,  but  I  do  believe  they 
would   come  out." 

"  Well,  suppose  you  try  it." 

This  was  a  new  idea — it  had  never  entered  hei 
mind  before — but  she  answered, 

"  I  will." 

"  When  will  you  hold  your  first  meeting  ?" 


110        MRS.  MAGGIE  NKWrON  VAN  COTT. 

By  this  time  a  hearty,  good  laugh  was  risings 
and  they  enjoyed  it  before  going  further. 

"  Whenever  you  will  let  me  have  the  room." 

*•  O,  as  to  that,  we  ao  n't  use  the  room  on 
jveek-days,  and  you  may  have  it  at  any  time. 
When  would  you  like  it  V 

"  Next  Monday  evening,  if  brother  Battersby 
will  consent  and  announce  it." 

At  once,  with  smile  peculiar  to  himself,  he  said, 

"I  will  announce  it,  but  what  shall  I  say.-*" 

"Well,  sir,  you  may  say  just  what  you  please. 
1  shall  simply  come  and  study  the  Bible  with 
them." 

Presently  the  thought  came,  "What  a  step  you 
have  taken !"  She  had  never  held  a  meeting — 
indeed,  had  never  spoken  before  any  people  save 
those  in  the  regular  class  and  prayer  meetings — 
and  yet  how  to  get  out  of  it  she  could  not  tell. 

The  following  Sabbath  it  was  announced  by 
the  very  gentle  pastor, 

"  To-morrow  evening  sister  Van  Cott  will  be 
glad  to  meet  all  who  will  come  to  this  room,  at 
seven  and  a  half  o'clock,  to  spend  a  short  time 
w\th  her  in  the  study  of  the  Bible." 

During  this  time  she  sat  in  the  back  part  of 
the  house,  trembling  like  a  frightened  child,  yet 
confiding  in  the  never-failing  support  of  Christ. 

All  day  Monday  she  was  much  in  prayer  while 


MISSIOA'  WORK.  Ill 

^  office.  But,  as  it  seemed  to  her,  unfortu- 
nately, about  the  time  to  start  for  the  meeting  a 
heavy  shower  came  on,  and  her  friends  thought 
she  must  be  wild  to  go  out  in  such  a  pelting 
storm  ;  but  she  determined  to  go,  and  be  at  the 
post  of  duty. 

At  the  mission  station  she  found  the  pastor 
and  the  missionary  quietly  awaiting  her  coming. 
They  took  their  seats  in  the  office.  An  hour 
passed,  but  no  one  came.  At  length  the  min- 
ister said, 

"  I  fear  you  will  feel  discouraged,  sister." 

"  No,  sir,  not  at  all." 

"  I  told  you  they  would  not  come  out,"  said 
brother  Burdick,  the  missionary. 

This  was  a  little  too  much,  and  she  replied, 

*'  I  doubt  if  you  would  have  turned  out  in  this 
rain,  only  you  thought  to  have  a  good  laugh  at 
me.  They  will  come  out  sometime,  I  know  they 
will,  and  I  am  so  sure  of  it  I  want  to  say  just 
here  you  will  have  to  come  and  open  the  meeting 
with  prayer,  as  I  have  never  prayed  in  public." 

The  good  brother  in  a  few  moments  looked 
over  his  glasses,  cleared  his  throat,  and,  with  a 
smile,  said, 

"  You  never  prayed  in  public  }  Well,  I  do  n't 
believe  you  will  ever  have  a  better  time  to  learn 
than  now,  so  please  lead  us  in  prayer." 


112        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COl^T. 

Without  a  moment's  hesitation  they  all  kneeled, 
and  she  poured  out  her  soul  to  God  in  behalf  of 
the  work  in  prospect.  Arising,  she  felt  a  trem^ 
bling  sensation  from  having  prayed  before  a  min- 
ister of  the  Gospel,  and  also  a  missionary  of  age, 
wisdom,  and  great  exp-***~'^ce.  Yet,  with  child- 
like simplicity,  she  desired  to  learn  the  right  way. 

Brother  Burdick  remarked,  "  I  shall  not  come 
over  to  open  your  meeting  with  prayer." 

"  O,  brother,  I  shall  break  down  !" 

"  Well,  then,  get  up  again." 

"  Thank  you,  so  I  can  ;  but  now,  since  you  will 
not  pray  for  me,  please  understand  this  one  thing, 
you  must  not  attend  the  meeting." 

"  You  had  better  wait  till  you  have  a  meeting," 
he  replied. 

"  You  may  depend  upon  it  I  will  have  a  meet- 
ing, and  you  may  very  much  desire  to  be  present." 

The  pastor  here  interrupted  the  conversation, 
saying, 

"  Sister,  I  think  you  should  invite  the  congre- 
gation. Perhaps  it  would  be  best.  On  next 
Sabbath,  as  soon  as  I  get  through  preaching, 
you  come  forward  and  invite  them." 

When  the  time  arrived  she  stepped  near  the 
platform  and  told  the  motley  crowd  her  desire  to 
do  good,  and  then  asked,  **  How  many  of  you  will 
meet  me  here  to-morrow  night  V 


MISSION  WORK.  113 

Eight  adults  arose  to  their  feet,  and  she  readily 
concluded  that  the  coming  meeting  would  be  a 
success.  She  then  took  the  hands  of  one  by  one, 
asking  each  not  to  disappoint  her,  and  they  read- 
Jy  gave  the  most  glowing  promises. 

"Theie,  brother  Burdick,  I  told  you  I'd  have 
a  meeting,"  she  exclaimed,  as  the  crowd  left. 

He  smiled,  shrugged  his  shoulders,  and  replied, 

*'  Not  one  of  them  will  be  out.  They  had  just 
as  soon  lie  as  speak  the  truth." 

This  caused  a  pang  of  sorrow,  and  led  the  way 
for  urgent  prayer  in  their  behalf 

Evening  came.  This  time  the  stars  gleamed 
brightly  and  seemed  to  smile  hopefully  on  all  as 
she  wended  her  way  to  the  mission-room.  It 
was  a  happy  surprise  to  find  half  a  dozen  there 
waiting  her  coming ;  and  soon  two  more  came, 
which  made  up  the  number  according  to  their 
promises.  While  at  prayer  rapturous  joy  filled 
her  soul,  and  shortly  after,  as  they  were  singing, 
the  sound  of  footsteps  was  heard  on  the  inclosed 
stairway.  It  was  quite  evident  who  were  there, 
but  the  interest  in  those  present  was  too  great 
to  be  thwarted,  and  she  proceeded  to  distribute 
Bibles  to  all  in  the  little  audience.  Taking  the 
Sunday-school  lesson  of  the  previous  Sabbath, 
she  proceeded  at  once  with  the  work.  But,  alas  I 
only  two  could  read,  while  several  of  the  others 


114         ^^^^'^-  ^^^'-^GGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

had  their  books  upside  down  ;  so  she  concluded 
to  read  the  verses  herself,  and  then  explain  the 
meaning  as  best  she  could.  Soon  they  became 
restless,  and  then  a  sweet  hymn  was  sung,  all 
being  exhorted  to  join  heartily.  She  was  some- 
what astonished,  on  looking  at  her  watch,  to  find 
that  the  meeting  had  lasted  over  two  hours. 
How  to  close  was  the  next  question,  and,  think- 
ing it  would  be  nothing  wrong,  raised  her  hands 
as  the  congregation  arose,  and  pronounced  a  reg- 
ular benediction. 

One  good  old  faithful  heart,  colored  Mary,  took 
her  hand,  and  when  asked  if  she  enjoyed  the 
meeting,  replied, 

"  De  Lord  bress  you,  chile,  I  never  tend  sich  a 
good  meetin'  afore." 

This  caused  joy  enough  for  all  her  efforts,  and 
while  bidding  adieu  to  the  last  ones,  the  door  of 
the  stairway  opened  and  a  hidden  congregation 
of  some  five  or  six,  headed  by  smiling  brother 
Burdick,  came  to  congratulate  her  on  her  success. 

She  answered,  "Please  wait  till  I  g^t  fairly 
started,  then  come  and  see." 

Each  succeeding  meeting  brought  new  faces  ; 
the  interest  steadily  increased.  She  asked  for  the 
room  on  Sabbath  evenings,  and  at  this  meeting 
so  many  attended  that  the  seats  were  soon  full. 

After  a  few  weeks  the  pastor  asked  if  he  could 


MISSION  WORK.  115 

have  u'3  Sabbath  evening  congregation,  which 
was  readiJy  transferred  to  his  care,  and  she  opened 
a  Sabbath  afternoon  Sunday-school, 

The  Monday  evening  meetings  were  so  suc- 
cessful that  another  was  appointed  by  brother 
Battersby  for  Thursday  evening,  and  invited  hci 
to  attend.  This  she  at  first  decUned  but  after  a 
little  reflection  consented,  and  threw  her  whole 
energy  into  the  work. 

At  the  close  of  one  of  these  meetings,  the 
missK-nary  requested  her  to  attend  a  little  gath- 
ering in  Leonard-street,  corner  of  Baxter,  in  the 
attic  of  a  miserable  hovel.  She  was  quite  indig- 
nant after  having  given  her  consent,  on  being 
info'^med  that  the  congregation  would  be  colored 
people.  And  as  she  tried  to  analyze  her  feelings 
it  seemed  a  little  singular,  for  she  had  always  a 
warm  affection  toward  them  even  from  childhood. 
But  the  thought  of  leading  a  meeting  of  colored 
people  was  perfectly  revolting,  and  she  tried  to 
persuade  herself  that  it  was  not  her  duty.  The 
thought  deepened,  and  being  informed  by  a  worthy 
young  assistant  missionary  of  the  horrors  of  the 
place,  and  wondering  somevv^hat  at  the  request, 
finally  sent  word  that  she  would  not  go.  It  seemed 
too  much  like  compromising  her  standing  and 
future  usefulness  to  go  to  such  a  low  place  and 
then  assist  in  holding  divine  services  with  negroes. 


Il6        MA'S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON    VAN  COTT. 

Reaching  home  she  hastened  to  her  room, 
opened  her  Bible  at  the  regular  lesson,  and  in 
one  of  the  first  verses  was  "  condemnation."  Clos- 
ing at  that  page,  she  opened  at  random  to  another 
place,  and  the  passage  there  was  "judgment ;" 
then  her  heart  began  to  pant  for  some  of  the 
promises  of  God,  and  on  opening  it  again,  it  was 
"  wrath  to  come." 

By  this  time  her  mind  was  nearly  in  a  state 
of  frenzy,  and  she  began  to  reflect  a  little  on  the 
past.  The  evening  meeting  had  been  glorious  ; 
her  heart  had  warmed  in  the  work,  and  now  why 
this  blackness  of  darkness  .''  In  earnest  prayer 
she  thanked  God  for  past  mercies  received,  and 
blessings  unnumbered  given.  Then  came  the 
petitions  for  usefulness,  that  she  might  glorify 
God  in  leading  souls  to  the  cross,  but  in  a  mo- 
ment, quick  as  thought,  her  lips  were  closed  as  by 
an  unseen  hand,  and  no  word  could  be  uttered 
for  the  things  usually  desired.  The  Spirit  seemed 
to  speak  to  her  audibly,  "You  are  mocking  God." 

She  tried  again  and  again  until  utterance  and 
communion  were  both  cut  off.  "  O,  well,  I  am 
too  weary  to-night  to  pray  or  ask  a  petition ;  I 
will  go  to  bed  and  shall  feel  better  in  the  morn- 
ing." The  night  passed  in  wakefulness  and  agony. 
Morning  came  ;  the  struggle  was  again  renewed  ; 
thanks  and   praises   for  the  safety  of  the  night 


MISSION  WORK.  117 

were  offered,  and  ran  on  for  some  moments,  when 
again  the  petitions  were  asked ;  still  she  was 
debarred  intercourse  with  her  Savior.  Prayer 
seemed  a  mockery,  and  all  light  of  heaven  gone. 
In  the  bitterness  of  soul  she  tried  to  repeat  the 
Lord's  Prayer,  but  even  in  this  utterance  and 
memory  failed.  She  could  not  repeat  it>  even  if 
her  life  had  been  at  stake.  And  there  before  the 
God  of  heaven,  with  a  spiritual  darkness  indescrib- 
able, she  waited  in  agony.  At  the  breakfast  table 
her  kindred  tried  to  comfort  her  as  they  saw  the 
flood  of  tears,  supposing  it  was  the  desolation  of 
a  widow's  heart.  The  hour  of  business  came,  and 
she  starting  for  the  office,  arrived  at  St.  John's 
Park,  where  scores  of  times  she  had  paused  to 
hear  the  sweet  notes  of  the  birds,  but  this  morn- 
ing the  trees  were  drooping,  and  not  a  warbler 
was  heard  among  all  the  branches.  The  foot- 
steps on  the  pavement  echoed  with  a  dull,  heavy 
thug;  the  clouds  had  no  silver  lining,  and  the 
sparkling  Hudson  seemed  more  like  a  sea  of  ink 
than  of  bright  waters.  At  the  desk,  the  struggle 
was  again  renewed  ;  the  comfort  sought  from  the 
Bible  was  still  withheld,  and  the  same  threatenings 
breathed  from  every  page.  Finally,  after  a  fear- 
ful mental  struggle,  she  cried  to  God,  "  Give  me 
my  peace  again  or  thrust  me  down  to  hell." 
In  a  moment  the  scene  of  the  apostle  Peter's 


1 1 8         MRS.  MAGGIE.  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

vision  passed  before  her,  and  she  heard  the  words 
of  inspiration,  "  What  God  has  cleansed,  call  not 
thou  common  or  unclean." 

At  this  she  cried  out  with  a  full  heart,  "  I  will 
gXi."  From  that  hour  the  former  prejudices  of 
caste  or  color  vanished,  and  she  felt  that  all  were 
one  in  Christ.  Then  came  another  difficulty ; 
how  could  she  get  word  to  the  young  missionary 
whom  she  requested  to  recall  the  appointment? 
She  wrote  a  note,  but  did  not  know  where  to 
direct  it  to  in  the  vast  babel  of  a  city.  She  was 
actually  compelled  to  go  in  search  of  the  gentle- 
man, found  his  office,  and  left  the  note  without 
seeing  him.  In  due  time  they  started  ;  the  night 
was  dark  and  the  way  gloomy  beyond  description. 
They  climbed  up,  up,  two  flights  of  rickety  stairs, 
reeking  with  filth  and  garbage,  the  air  loaded 
with  sickening  odors  ;  they  arrived  at  a  platform, 
then  a  few  steps  more,  and  the  guide  said,  "  Now 
one  of  the  steps  is  gone,  you  must  take  two." 

This  she  did  without  danger ;  then  passing  un- 
der a  narrow  low  way  was  directed  to  stoop,  but 
not  heeding  the  order  fully,  her  head  and  back 
received  a  terrible  scraping  from  an  unseen  rough 
beam  overhead.  At  last  they  reached  a  door, 
her  heart  fluttering  and  throbbing  as  the  rattling 
old  boards  were  opened.  Before  them  was  one 
of  the  worst  pictures  in  all  of  the  Five  Points— 


MISSION  IVOR  A'.  119 

a  hoirid  crowd  of  men,  women,  children,  ne- 
groes, with  tobacco  smoke,  broken  chairs,  a  de- 
lapidated  old  table,  rum,  bread,  a  pile  of  cabbage, 
and  a  stench  which  fairly  staggered  the  messen- 
gers of  truth.  Involuntarily  she  cried,  "  My  God, 
is  this  the  work?" 

The  guide  still  led  on — this  was  but  an  Dpen- 
ing  scene.  Another  door,  and  here  was  a  low, 
narrow  room,  with  a  few  little  openings  close  to 
the  rafters,  called  windows — the  plastering  here 
and  there  supplied  by  old  newspapers — but  the 
place  showed  some  semblance  of  neatness.  The 
celebrated  divine,  Newman  Hall,  of  England, 
visited  this  room  some  weeks  afterward,  when 
the  meetings  were  well  attended,  and  spoke  words 
of  cheer  as  he  stood  in  the  door-way ;  and  after- 
ward referred  to  the  scene  in  addressing  a  vast 
throng  in  Cooper  Institute.  Eighteen  colored 
people  had  assembled  with  brother  Burdick  and 
wife— the  only  white  persons — and  were  patiently 
waiting  services.  The  furniture  consisted  of  a 
little  table,  on  which  was  a  very  poor  light  and  a 
Bible,  and  an  old  weather-worn  sailor's  chest  for 
a  sofa.  The  two  persons  just  entering  found 
limited  accommodations  on  the  old  box ;  and  in  a 
moment  brother  Burdick  said, 

"  Sister  Van  Cott,  lead  us  in  prayer." 

She  knelt,  told  God  of  her  sins,  pleaded  earnestl> 


120        MRS    MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

for  a  ray  of  Divine  illumination  ;  and  the  poor 
dusky  people  supposed  all  this  time  she  was  pray- 
ing for  them,  and  they  sobbed  aloud  in  theii 
misery  and  sin.  Suddenly  the  glory  came  into 
her  soul,  and  she  shouted  aloud  for  joy.  Arising 
she  asked  the  missionary  how  many  present  were 
professors  of  religion }  and  learned  to  her  aston- 
ishment that  there  was  not  one.  She  went  around 
shaking  hands  with  each,  offering  an  instructive 
word,  encouraging  them  to  seek  for  a  better  life, 
and  exacting  several  promises  to  attend  the  serv- 
ices at  the  mission-room  on  the  coming  Sabbath 
evening.  The  services  were  quite  varied,  but,  in 
the  end,  very  profitable. 

Several  manifested  a  desire  to  follow  Jesus, 
and,  before  many  weeks,  a  few  gave  evidence  of  a 
change  of  heart.  Among  the  latter  was  a  Mrs. 
Cufify,  a  colored  lady  of  refinement  in  every  sense 
of  the  word.  She  begged  that  meetings  might  be 
held  in  her  house,  in  the  rear  part  of  163  Leon- 
ard-street, where  she  kept  a  first-class  sailors' 
boarding-house.  Having  found  Christ  precious 
herself,  she  wanted  to  do  good,  and  used  this  way 
01  helping  others  to  the  Lord.  For  a  few  days  at 
a  time  men  were  stopping  at  her  house  from  every 
port  in  the  world,  and  she  urged  that  if  only  one 
could  be  reached  and  saved  it  would  be  a  glorious 
work. 


MISSION  WORK.  12 1 

The  following  Tuesday  evening  her  rooms  were 
crowded,  and  some  souls  started  for  the  kingdom 
of  heaven.  The  folding-doors  were  thrown  open, 
and  pa^rlor  and  sitting-room  occupied.  These  soon 
were  filled,  and  the  way  was  opeHcd  into  anothet 
room,  where  a  door  cut  through  the  wall  gave  thi 
speaker  a  better  chance  to  see  her  entire  audience. 
From  this  time  the  work  went  on  gloriously. 
Among  the  regular  attendants  was  one  old  col- 
ored man,  to  whom  it  was  most  refreshing  to  listen. 
His  prayers  were  fervent,  and  full  of  faith  ;  his 
exhortations  pungent,  and  replete  with  Scriptural 
quotations.  At  the  close  of  one  of  the  meetings, 
as  this  good  "Father  Thompson"  was  passing 
around,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  asked, 

"  How  is  it  that  you  can  so  readily  quote  Script- 
ure— you  must  have  studied  much  and  prayer- 
fully.?" 

A  happy  smile  beamed  from  his  eye  as  he  ex- 
claimed, 

"Dear  chile,  I  never  read  a  word  in  all  my  life. 
Dis  poor  old  man  do  n't  know  his  letters  yet ; 
but  I  prayed  de  dear  Lord  for  ten  year  to  give 
me  the  truth  in  my  soul,  and  each  time  I  hear 
de  Word  I  try  to  catch,  and  mark,  learn,  and  in- 
wardly 'gest  de  matter.  And  troo  prayer  de  Lord 
has  helped  me,  and  I 's  sure  I 's  gwine  home  to 

die  no  more.     Bress  de  Lord  I" 

II 


122         AIRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

At  another  time,  just  in  front  of  the  speaker, 
sat  a  very  dark,  handsome  son  of  Neptune,  noble 
in  bearing,  seemingly  very  much  disturbed  during 
the  sermon.  The  speaker  fancied  he  was  weary 
of  her  talk;  but  presently  she  saw  tears  falling 
from  his  eyes,  and  knew  then  that  it  was  the 
work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  his  heart.  Closing, 
she  said, 

'•  If  there  are  any  who  feel  their  souls  crying 
out  after  God,  who  desire  to  be  prayed  for,  whose 
hearts  are  saying, 

*  O  for  a  heart,  perfect  and  right,  and  pure  and  good, 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine,' 

let  them  arise." 

One  or  two  arose,  weeping,  asking  prayers  ;  and 
as  she  still  pressed  the  matter,  the  restless  man 
arose,  saying, 

"I  was  at  the  meeting  in  the  mission-room 
on  Sabbath,  but  I  felt  no  moving  in  my  heart ; 
but  to-night" — here  he  was  choked  with  sobs,  but 
in  a  few  moments  proceeded — "  I  am  a  great  sin- 
ner, and  yet  I  can  feel  the  hand  of  a  sainted  mother 
on  my  head,  imploring  God's  blessing  on  her  boy. 
My  mother  died  when  I  was  yet  a  lad,  and,  as  she 
was  an  earnest  Christian,  she  early  taught  me  the 
way  of  salvation,  and  I  yielded  to  be  saved.  Sick- 
ness came,  and  death  followed.  Just  before  the 
trying  hour  that  made  me  an  orphan,  mother  took 


MISSION  WORK.  123 

my  hand — O  how  plainly  I  feel  her  icy  touch 
now ! — and  gently  prayed  God  to  keep  her  child 
from  the  evil  in  the  world.  Then,  with  trembling 
hand,  she  gave  me  her  Bible,  saying,  'Boy,  this 
has  kept  me  through  life,  and  its  truths  light  up 
^for  me  the  dark  valley  I  am  now  nearing.  Keep 
it,  my  boy,  read  it,  and  it  will  guide  you  safely 
home,  and  I  '11  wait  your  coming — you  know  the 
way.'  The  book  was  opened,  and  a  lock  of  hair 
was  placed  in  it,  and  I  possessed  my  mother's 
Bible  I  promised,  and  expected  to  meet  her  in 
heaven.  The  solemn  day  of  burial  came  ;  beside 
that  open  grave  I  renewed  my  promise  to  meet 
her  in  heaven.  But  O,  what  a  failure  I  have 
made !  In  a  few  days  I  left  and  went  to  sea ; 
there,  with  ungodly  companions,  I  soon  became 
reckless  indeed.  I  was  a  ringleader  in  sin.  Oft- 
times,  as  I  would  go  to  my  chest,  I  would  be  up- 
braided by  that  mother's  Bible,  as  it  silently  spake 
to  me.  This  often  caused  the  bitter  curse  to 
escape  from  my  lips.  I  remember  one  night  a 
fearful  storm  had  come  down  upon  us  ;  the  bil- 
lows rolled,  the  fierce  lightning  gleamed,  the 
thunder  boomed,  wave  after  wave  washed  the 
deck,  and,  with  no  thought  of  death,  as  the  ropes 
would  slip,  or  we  stagger  over  the  deck,  curses 
and  bitter  oaths  would  roll  from  our  lips.  Drenched 
to  the  skin,  as  soon  as  the  storm  ceased,  all  hands 


124         ^^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

sought  a  change  of  rig.  With  mirth  and  laughtei 
over  our  narrow  escape  from  a  watery  grave,  I 
went  to  my  locker,  and,  putting  down  my  hand 
for  the  dry  rig,  the  first  thing  I  took  hold  of  was 
ray  mother's  Bible,  and  the  curl  of  hair  twisted 
itself  around  my  finger.  Angered  beyond  endur- 
ance^ I  took  the  book  with  an  oath,  rushed  on 
deck,  and,  cursing  the  mother  that  bore  me,  I  cast 
it  into  the  waves.  God  forgive  me  !  Please  pray 
for  me,  that  my  offended  God  may  look  in  pity 
upon  me  once  again." 

Of  course  this  wonderful  experience  awakened 
a  most  profound  interest  in  his  behalf,  and  most 
fervent  prayer  was  offered  for  the  struggling  soul. 
Such  agony  as  he  manifested  was  fearful.  In 
about  an  hour  and  a  half,  while  incessant  prayer 
was  made,  the  light  of  heaven  broke  in  upon  his 
soul,  and  a  shout  of  thanksgiving  went  up  to  God, 
who,  in  and  through  Christ  Jesus,  was  again  his 
reconciled  Father. 

As  they  were  singing  the  doxology,  he  again 
appeared  sad.  After  the  meeting,  Mrs.,  Van  Cott 
asked,  "  Can  you  not  trust  the  Savior .''" 

"O  yes;  but  my  mother's  Bible!"  He  could 
say  no  more,  for  the  choking  emotion. 

Taking  the  Bible  from  the  stand,  she  penciled 
her  name  therein,  and  with  a  word  of  prayer  gave 
it  to  him. 


MISSION  WORK.  125 

"I  shall  sail  to-morrow,"  he  said,  "but,  God 
willing,  I  will  return  at  the  end  of  six  months, 
and  will  do  my  best  to  live  for  God." 

This  meeting  continued  to  prosper ;  others 
■A'ci'e  formed,  until  every  evening  in  the  week  was 
occupied,  save  that  of  Saturday. 

Of  this  noble  colored  sailor  a  subsequent  his- 
tory will  here  be  in  place.  He  was  not  forgotten 
in  prayer,  as  they  met  night  after  night.  As  the 
six  months  drew  to  a  close,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  be- 
came more  anxious  about  the  work  of  grace  in  his 
heart.  On  entering  the  meeting  one  evening,  she 
found  him  sitting  before  her,  with  all  the  evi- 
dences of  happiness  beaming  out  through  his 
nature.  She  took  no  special  notice  of  him,  but 
proceeded  to  open  the  meeting.  Soon  the  invita- 
tion was  given  for  any  to  speak  who  felt  so  in- 
clined. In  a  moment  he  was  on  his  feet,  with  a 
shout,  "  Bless  God !  I  am  home,  and  can  look  upon 
your  faces  once  more ;  but  bless  God  above  all 
things,  that  I  have  Christ  in  my  souL  He  lives 
and  reigns  there  ;  and  not  only  in  my  heart,  but, 
bless  God  !  here  are  some  of  my  messmates,  re- 
joicing in  this  very  same  Jesus,  praise  God  1 
And  now,  with  the  lady's  permission,  I  will  tell 
my  experience :  I  went  on  shipboard  the  day 
after  I  was  at  the  meeting  at  Mrs.  CufFey's,  and 
at  once  determined  to  fight  against  sin.     I  took 


126         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

my  Bibie  and  read,  then  I  went  away  and  prayed 
It  was  at  the  hour  of  the  evening  meeting  ;  I  felt 
sure  that  you  were  praying  for  me,  and  O,  how  it 
helped  mc !  I  went  on  deck,  and  my  shipmates, 
who  are  here,  gathered  around  me,  and  asked, 

"  '  Say,  Jack,  wat  's  matter  ?     Mad  ?' 

"  *  No,'  I  answered. 

"  *  Awful  glum — guess  you  've  got  devil  in 
you.' 

" '  No,'  I  replied,  *  I  have  got  the  devil  out  of 
me.' 

"  This  made  a  jolly  laugh,  but  it  did  not  touch 
me.  I  then  told  them  of  the  meeting,  and  my 
promise.  I  told  them  of  the  gentle  lady  who  had 
so  sweetly  prayed  for  me,  but  they  only  laughed, 
and  said, 

"  *  Yes,  yes  ;  that 's  good  ;  but  wait  till  the  grog 
comes  round,  when  good-by  all  this.' 

"  But,  thank  God  !  they  found  me  firm  ;  and  as 
day  after  day  rolled  around,  in  the  strength  of 
Christ,  I  was  able  to  hold  on.  They  began  to 
think,  I  reckon,  and  then  they  asked  me  to  tell 
them  of  the  lady,  and  what  I  read  in  the  book. 
I  told  them,  and  urged  each  one  to  stop  swear- 
ing, and  begin  to  pray.  They  at  last  asked  me 
to  pray  for  them  ;  I  did  so  ;  and  now  they  may 
tell  their  own  story.  As  for  me,  I  am  still  de- 
termined  to   press   heavenward.     I  shall  yet  see 


MISSION  WORK.  127 

my  mother  in  glory,  through  the  love  and  power 
of  Christ." 

The  year  was  nearly  closed,  and  for  several 
days  Mrs.  Van  Cott  had  anticipated  a  delicious 
spiritual  feast  at  the  Duane-Street  Church,  at  the 
watch-night  meeting,  when  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's-Supper  was  to  be  administered.  At  the 
regular  Tuesday  evening  meeting  she  had  deter- 
mined to  close  in  good  season,  and  then  go  over 
to  the  church.  As  she  approached  the  stand  at 
Mrs.  Cuffey's,  on  the  Bible  was  a  note  containing 
a  request  from  a  goodly  number  of  those  present 
for  her  to  hold  a  watch-meeting  in  the  rooms 
where  they  were  then  gathered.  This,  for  a  few 
moments,  was  a  great  trial,  and  she  could  not 
refrain  from  tears  at  the  disappointment.  It 
seemed  as  if  her  life  must  be  a  continual  sacrifice ; 
but  the  thought  of  sending  away  that  large  com- 
pany, many  of  whom  might  go  into  haunts  of 
vice,  could  not  be  entertained.  Perusing  the  note 
still  more  closely,  she  found  they  had  selected  a 
text  for  her,  in  the  vision  of  Ezekiel  concerning 
the  wheels.  How  to  handle  it,  on  so  short  a 
notice,  she  could  not  tell,  but  after  prayer,  and 
strong  pleading  for  help,  the  work  was  begun. 
Five  hours  seemed  a  great  length  of  time,  b>^t  the 
sermon  studied  up  at  home  was  used  first,  followed 
by  a  prayer  and  speaking  meeting  ;  then  ca«e  the 


128         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

text,  "  For  the  spirit  of  the  living  creature  was  in 
the  wheels."  During  this  discourse  there  was 
much  commotion ;  some  were  thoughtful,  others 
weeping,  and  a  few  shouting  aloud  for  joy.  Dur- 
ing the  second  prayer-meeting  penitents  thronged 
the  impromptu  altar,  and  begged  humbly  for  par* 
don  and  peace,  in  Jesus'  name. 

As  the  hands  of  the  clock  told  the  approach  of 
the  mystic  hour,  all  bowed  low  before  God  in 
prayer.  It  was  as  silent  there  as  the  grave,  when 
presently  the  bell  tolled  the  funeral  knell  of  the 
old  year.  A  few  moments  after  the  congregation 
arose  and  sung  the  New- Year's  hymn.  Happy 
greetings  were  exchanged  after  the  benediction, 
but  they  could  not  leave  for  another  hour,  for 
three  immortal  souls  were  groaning  for  redemp- 
tion in  Christ. 

She  was  too  much  exhausted  to  remain  longer, 
well  knowing  that  her  child  was  lonely  at  home. 
While  they  were  getting  her  wrappings,  good  old 
father  Thompson,  the  gray-haired  man,  came  for- 
ward to  breathe  a  prophetic  benediction  upon  her. 

^'  Praise  God,  dat  like  Mary  ob  old,  you  hab 
chosen  de  good  part  dat  shall  neber  be  taken 
away.  Lor'  dow  has  gibben  dis  dy  chile  many 
souls  dat  will  shine  foreber.  Let  de  number  in- 
crease, and  afore  dis  yer  closes  let  dare  be  a  tou- 
sand  souls  planted  in  her  crown  ob  rejoicin,  so  dat 


MISSION  WORK.  129 

when  Gabrel  sounds  de  trumpet  in  dat  gittin  up 
mornin,  she  may,  wid  a  shout,  come  up  and  cry, 
*  Here  am  I,  Lord,  and  de  chilen  dow  hast  gibben 
me.'     God  bress  you,  chile  !" 

During  this  short  episode  there  was  silence 
again  in  the  room,  broken  only  now  and  then  by 
a  sob. 

Starting  for  home,  she  soon  found  that  most  of 
the  street  cars  had  ceased  to  run,  and  she  must, 
of  necessity,  walk  at  least  half  a  mile  on  the  icy 
pavements.  Great  fears  were  awakened  at  home 
for  her  safety,  but  "  He  who  giveth  his  angels 
charge,"  led  her  safely  to  the  waiting  loved  ones. 

About  this  time  she  was  deeply  impressed  with 
the  necessity  of  having  a  Sabbath-school  at  the 
mission-room,  which  was  not  occupied  in  the 
afternoons.  There  were  many  neglected  children 
playing  on  the  streets,  for  whom  no  one  seemed 
to  care.  Reporting  the  thought  to  the  pastor,  he 
replied, 

"  I  fear  the  Center-Street  Mission  will  think  ill 
of  it,  and  the  Franklin-Street  Mission  may  con- 
clude we  are  running  in  opposition  to  them,  and 
I  do  n't  want  to  take  the  responsibility." 

"Why  should  we  care,"  she  answered,  "so 
long  as  we  desire  no  such  thing }  Bless  me,  just 
look  there!"  opening  the  Joor  and  pointing  to 
some   thirty  or  more  children    in  one   group  on 


130         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

the  sidewalk  of  the  Tombs.  *' There's  a  Sun- 
day-school at  once;  please  say  yes.  and  I  will 
take  all  the  blame.'* 

"  Well,  if  you  will  do  that,  all  right,  but  I  won't 
have  any  thing  to  do  with  it." 

She  at  once  called,  and  beckoned  to  the  sharp 
little  "  street  Arabs,"  who  hesitated  at  first,  then 
ventured  to  "go  and  see  what  the  woman 
wanted." 

As  they  gathered  around  her,  she  told  them 
she  wanted  to  have  a  Sunday-school,  and  desired 
all  to  attend.  At  this  a  few  shook  their  heads 
and  ran  away,  while  some  lingered  rather  shyly. 
Then  she  said, 

"  Do  you  love  to  sing .?" 

*'  Yeth,  thir,"  said  one  brave  lad. 

"So  do  I,  and  if  you  will  come  next  Sunday 
at  two  o'clock,  I  will  teach  you  to  sing  and  tell 
you  some  nice  stories." 

One  little  fellow  jogged  his  comrade  with  his 
elbow,  saying, 

"  Bill,  let 's  go  for  fun." 

"Yes,  come  for  fun,"  she  replied,  "and  see  if 
we  won't  have  a  good  time." 

They  agreed  to  this  and  ran  away 

At  the  appointed  hour  on  the  next  Sabbath, 
fifteen  children  entered  the  room,  and  she  set 
about  the  no  small  task  of  teaching  them  to  sing, 


MISSION  WORK.  131 

and  holding  their  restless  minds  for  a  little  time 
with  the  story  of  the  Cross  ;  and  wound  up  by 
some  plain  hints  about  untidy  girls  and  boys  who 
did  not  love  Jesus,  but  who  were  on  the  way  to 
ruin.  As  the  time  of  closing  drew  near  she  de- 
sired to  make  them  missionaries,  and  offered  five 
cents  for  each  new  scholar  they  would  bring  in 
the  next  Sunday,  and  besides  that,  to  those  who 
came  with  faces  all  washed  clean,  she  would 
give  a  sweet  kiss.  One  little,  bright-eyed  boy 
called   out: 

"  Say,  misses,  if  we  each  bring  five  fellers,  will 
yer   give  five   cents   for    each   feller.?"     With   a 
.  smile  at  the  young  speculator  she  answered, 

"Yes,  five  cents  for  each  one." 

The  next  Sabbath  the  number  increased  to 
thirty,  and  with  a  supply  of  "  five  censes,"  as  the 
boys  called  them,  she  met  all  of  her  agreements, 
as  she  supposed,  promptly  and  honestly.  But 
one  young  sharper  of  ten  years,  receiving  his  pay, 
retired  to  spend  it  for  sugar-plums,  and  then  the 
boy  he  had  brought  went  out  and  led  him  back, 
md  demanded  the  usual  bounty. 

The  little  game  was  detected,  and  the  fraud 
uublicly  exposed. 

She  then  arranged  the  school  into  classes,  as 
several  gentlemen  from  the  surrounding  churches 
offered  to  assist  in  teaching.     At  the  close  of  the 


132        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEV/TON  VAN  COTT. 

exercises,  a  dear,  blue-eyed  boy  came  forward, 
and  looking  up  in  her  face,  broke  out  with, 

"  Say,  misses,  you  forgot  suthin'  what  yer  said." 

*'  What,  my  child,  have  I  forgotten  ?" 

"Why,  you  said  as  how  you'd  kiss  us  felleis 
what  had  clean  faces,  and  an't  mine  clean  ?" 

Quickly  she  remembered  having  seen  some 
half  a  dozen  youngsters  at  the  hydrant  before 
school  opened,  and  this  one  was  clean  around  his 
nose  and  mouth,  if  nowhere  else.  In  a  trice  she 
showered  kisses  on  his  happy  face  to  his  com- 
plete satisfaction,  when  he  scampered  off  very 
much   delighted. 

The  school  prospered  gloriously,  and  in  a  short 
time  many  gave  evidence  of  having  met  with  a 
change  of  heart.  These  were  formed  into  classes 
according  to  the  disciplinary  form  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church. 

One  dear,  precious  girl  could  not  exercise  faith, 
though  repeated  prayer  was  offered  in  her  behalf 
She  soon  received  the  name  of  ''  Weeping  Lizzie," 
being  a  child  of  many  tears. 

At  one  time,  while  Mrs.  Van  Cott  was  pray- 
ing for  her  in  a  perfect  agony  of  interest,  being 
burdened  for  her  soul,  the  child  was  more 
attracted  by  a  large  diamond  ring  on  the  finger 
of  her  sympathizing  teacher  than  with  her  prayer. 
At  once   Mrs.   Van    Cott  vowed  before    God,    if 


MISSION  WORK.  133 

that  ring  stood  in  the  way  of  this  or  any  other 
immortal  soul,  she  would  lay  it  aside. 

At  the  close  of  the  day,  on  reaching  home,  and 
miking  known  her  intentions,  all  the  friends  de- 
clared that  those  Methodists  were  making  her  a 
perfect  fanatic,  and  if  she  removed  those  gifts  of 
departed  ones,  they  would  never  speak  to  hei 
again.  But  still  she  determined  to  follow  the  dic- 
tates of  the  Holy  Spirit  at  whatever  cost.  The 
next  Saturday,  at  the  office,  on  opening  her  Bible, 
in  a  moment  as  she  laid  her  hand  on  it,  the  vow 
and  the  duty  came  up  vividly  before  her. 

Slowly  she  removed  the  rings  and  laid  the 
price  thereof,  whatever  they  would  bring,  upon 
the  altar  of  God.  From  that  moment  jewels  lost 
their  splendor  and  attractive  power  as  a  charm. 

The  diamond  rings  were  sold  for  several  hun- 
dred dollars,  and  the  money  was  used  at  the 
mission  in  paying  rents  for  the  poor,  purchasing 
books,  and  at  one  time  she  took  the  whole  school 
to  see  the  "Panorama  of  Bunyan's  Pilgrim's 
Progress,"  which  was  under  the  management  of 
Philip  Phillips,  and   v/as   a  grand  entertainment 

Many  and  happy  were  the  hours  spent  in  this 
work,  and  a  great  care  it  was  truly,  but  not  with- 
out its  joys  and  often  amusing  scenes. 

A  colored  girl,  of  about  twenty  years  of  age; 
with  a  powerful  alto  voice,  was  a  regular  attend- 


134         ^^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

ant  at  these  meetings  for  a  long  time,  and  seemed 
to  be  much  interested.  Tears  would  flow,  and 
she  now  and  then  engaged  in  prayer.  After  a 
while  her  seat  was  vacant  at  the  meetings,  and 
one  day  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  meeting  her  on  the  street, 
asked, 

"  Maria,  have  you  been  sick }  Why  have  you 
not  been  at  the  meetings.''  I  thought  you  in- 
tended to  seek  the  Savior." 

"Well,  I  toat  so  too,  myself" 

"  And  now,  my  child,  won't  you  ?" 

"Well,  I  guess  not." 

"  Why  not ;  do  n't  you  think  it  is  right?" 

"  O  yes,  yes,  I  does." 

"Won't  you,  then.?" 

"  Can 't." 

"  Why,  tell  me  .?" 

A  wicked  twinkle  in  her  black  eye  was  seen, 
and  with  a  toss  of  her  head  in  the  real  Topsy 
style,  she  exclaimed,  "  Well,  I  '11  tell  you.  The 
debbil  loves  vie  so  well,  he  won't  gib  me  up,  but 
T  lub  you,  and  wish  I  could  be  like  you." 

"  How  sad  our  state  by  nature  is, 
Our  sin,  how  deep  it  stains, 
And  Satan  binds  our  captive  souls, 
Fast  in  his  slavish  chains  !" 


(^^ 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


CLOUDS,  TEMPTATIONS,  AND  SORROWS. 

HE  sorrows  of  life  will  follow  us  to  the 

end  of  time.     Keenly  did  Mrs.  Van  Cott 

I  feel  the   fact    that   now  alone  she  must 


battle  with  life's  cares,  ofttimes  perplexed  in  her 
business,  and  now  and  then  coming  to  a  stand- 
still. 

Her  earthly  counselor  was  gone  ;  she  knew  not 
which  way  to  turn  for  fear  of  going  in  the  wrong 
direction.  Edgar,  her  brother-in-law,  was  one  of 
the  excellent  of  earth,  so  far  as  outward  morality 
was  concerned,  and  his  judgment  in  business  af- 
fairs was  of  a  very  superior  order,  and  on  his 
counsel  she  relied  almost  implicitly.  A  small 
property  had  been  left  by  her  husband,  but  un- 
fortunately a  street  on  one  side  of  it  had  to  be 
opened,  widened,  graded  and  paved.  Her  home 
must  be  moved,  as  nearly  two  lots  of  ground  were 
required  by  the  street ;  and  although  an   award 


136        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

was  given  by  the  city  authorities,  the  assessments 
were  so  great  that  after  the  bills  of  moving,  rais- 
ing and  repairs  were  paid,  there  was  nothing  of 
cor  sequence  left. 

When  she  found  that  this  was  all  gone,  her 
mind  was  greatly  depressed,  for  often  she  had 
thanked  God  for  just  a  little  upon  which  to  lean 
in  case  of  adversity.  She  wiped  her  tears  away 
and  said,  '*  Surely  Ed  will  never  see  me  want  for 
any  thing  while  he  has  a  dollar,  and  if  I  get  in  a 
tight  spot  he  will  help  me." 

These  were  her  hopes  upon  which  she  felt  se- 
cure;  but  how  mysterious  are  God's  ways,  "past 
finding  out !" 

One  Sabbath  Mr.  Edgar  Bedell  and  his  dear 
little  family  came  to  visit  where  she  was  board- 
ing with  Mrs.  Bedell's  sister.  After  dinner,  be- 
fore going  to  the  mission,  she  asked,  "  Ed,  do  n't 
you  think  that  you  are  doing  wrong  in  spending 
your  Sabbaths  visiting .?  This  day  God  has  set 
apart  for  his  worship,  and  you  always  use  it  for 
visiting.     Do  you  think  it  is  right.?" 

"  I  do  n't  know,  Maggie  ;  you  know  I  am  so 
occupied  all  the  week  in  my  business,  unless  I 
go  on  Sundays  I  can  not  go  at  all." 

"  Would  it  not  be  better,  then,  not  to  go  at  all .?" 

"  I  have  often  thought  I  ought  to  go  to  church  ; 
Sarah  and  I  have  talked  it  over,  and  I  will,  and 


CL O UDS,  TEMP TA  T70.VS,  A ND  SORR O  WS.     1 3  7 

do  mean  to  do  better.  I  will  secure  me  a  seat  in 
the  Lee  Avenue  Church,  now  that  the  children 
are  large  enough.  I  will  go  to  church  at  least 
once  a  day." 

"  That 's  good,  but  won't  you  commence  now  ? 
come,  you  and  Sarah  go  over  with  me  to  the  mis- 
sion." 

"  No,  it  will  be  late  before  you  close,  and  it  will 
be  cool  toward  evening,  and  the  carriage  will  be 
here  by  four  o'clock.  I  guess  I  won't  go  ;  but 
I  promise  you,  that  next  Sabbath  I  will  commence 
anew  and  will  rent  a  pew  and  go  to  church  !" 

She  hastened  on  to  her  work  of  labor  and  of 
love  ;  the  dear  ones  were  awaiting  her  com/ng,  and 
as  soon  as  she  appeared  over  the  Broad^vay  and 
Leonard-street  crossing,  a  bevy  of  romping,  noisy, 
joyous  children  greeted  and  escorted  her  to  the 
mission-room.  In  a  moment  all  was  hushed,  then 
came  a  glad  song  of  praise,  and  the  exercises  of  de- 
votion and  instruction  in  holy  things  commenced. 

Nothing  more  was  thought  of  Edgar's  promise 
until  the  next  Saturday  night ;  so,  after  tea,  she 
concluded  to  go  over  and  see  if  his  resolution  was 
still  the  same. 

On  reaching  the  elegant  home,  and  hastening 
into  the  sitting-room,  she  was  met  by  Edgar's 
brother,  who,  with  deep  emotion,  exclaimed,  *'  O,  I 
am  so  glad  you  have  come,  Edgar 's  dying." 


138         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  It  can 't  be  possible,"  she  replied,  and  quickly 
hastened  to  the  room,  where  the  stricken  wife  was 
suffering  terribly.  A  piercing  wail  of  anguish 
burst  from  Mrs.  Bedell's  Hps  as  soon  as  she  saw 
her  sister-in-law,  for  a  most  tender  bond  of  affec- 
tioi  had  ever  existed  between  them.  The  doctor 
was  still  in  the  room,  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott  asked, 
"  Tell  me  of  this  matter .?" 

"  On  Wednesday,"  he  replied,  "  Mr.  Bedell  took 
cold,  Thursday  he  was  complaining,  yesterday  was 
very  sick,  but  I  had  no  fears  this  morning,  and  he 
appeared  better  until  an  hour  ago,  and  now,  as 
mortification  has  taken  place,  he  can  not  live  more 
than  an  hour." 

"  Is  Ed  conscious  of  the  fact  that  he  is  dying  ?" 
"  O,  no  ;  I  would  not  have  him  know  it,  as  it 
would  certainly  shorten  his  life." 

That  was  too  much  stoical  infidelity  for  her, 
and  especially  when  one  so  dear  was  on  the  very 
verge  of  time,  unprepared,  without  God,  and  any 
immortal  hope  in  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord. 

"  He  must  know  his  condition,"  she  uttered 
quickly. 

"  No,  you  must  not  see  him,  it  will  hasten  his  end." 
"  I  must  and  will  see  him." 
" Then  yoti   must  take  the  responsibility"  he 
answered  very  sarcastically,  following  it  with  9 
ftendish  grin. 


CLOUDS,  TEMPTATIOXS,A.\^D  SORROWS.     1 39 

"  What  '  responsibility  ?'  you  tell  me  he  can  not 
live  a  single  hour." 

"  Well,  you  will  take  his  life  into  your  own  hands, 
and  I  fear  he  won't  live  even  an  hour." 

"Amen  ;  then  I  '11  give  that  precious  life  intc 
the  hands  of  God." 

She  entered  the  sick  chamber,  and  the  moment 
the  panting  sufferer  opened  his  eyes,  he  took  her 
hand  with  both  of  his,  and  said  tenderly, 

"  O,  Maggie,  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you." 

"  Brother,  you  are  very  sick,"  she  spoke  softly. 

"  O,  not  so  badly  as  they  think,"  he  gasped. 

"  Brother  Ed,  suppose  you  should  be  called 
to  die.?" 

Reader,  are  you  a  formalist  t  Listen  to  the 
words  of  this  dying  man,  loved  as  he  w^as  by  all 
who  knew  him,  a  pattern  in  many  things  for 
good,  but  to  whom  the  words  of  the  Savior 
would  apply,  "  One  thing  thou  lackest." 

Answering,  he  said,  "  O,  my,  not  so  bad  as 
that !" 

With  a  sinking  heart,  she  said  plainly,  "  Edgar, 
in  one  hour  you  will  be  done  with  the  things  of 
time.     Are  you  ready  to  meet  your  God  V* 

"  I  am  afraid  not." 

"  Then,  dear  brother,  look  to  Jesus." 

^'It  is  too  late,''  he  replied,  with  deep  emotion. 

She  tried  to  tell   him  of  the  mercy  of  God; 


140        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

which  saves  to  the  uttermost,  and  of  the  dying 
thief,  who  trusted  in  Christ  even  at  the  last  hour. 

*'  Will  you  sing  for  me  ?"  he  asked. 

Under  the  weight  of  sorrow,  she  sang  as  best 
she  could, 

"Stay,  thou  insulted  Spirit,  stay. 

Though  I  have  done  thee  such  despite, 
Nor  cast  the  sinner  quite  away, 

Nor  take  thine  everlasting  flight,"  eta, 

and  then  poured  out  her  heart  in  earnest  prayer 
in  his  behalf  He  was  urged  to  pray  for  himself, 
and  plead  the  precious  name  of  Jesus.  He  lifted 
his  eyes  heavenward  with  a  most  imploring  look, 
his  lips  moved,  the  gaze  was  fixed,  and  in  a 
moment  more  he  was  gone. 

Was  he  saved  in  that  last  look.?  Were  the 
sins  of  years  washed  away  in  that  moment  ^ 
Eternity  alone  can  tell.  To  the  doubts  as  to 
his  future  happiness  she  could  but  say,  "  God 
forbid  that  I  should  risk  the  salvation  of  my 
soul  until  the  dying  hour!"  Thus  the  danger 
of  procrastination.  On  the  coming  Sabbath  he 
had  expected  to  take  his  family  to  church  and 
begin  a  new  life,  but  before  that  hour  arrived  his 
cold  form  was  awaiting  the  time  of  burial. 

"Lo!  on  a  narrow  neck  of  land, 
'Twixt  two  unbounded  seas  I  stand. 
Secure,  insensible; 


CLOUDS,   TEMPTATIONS,  AND  SORROWS.    14I 

A  point  of  time,  a  mom.ent''s  space, 
Removes  me  to  that  heavenly  place. 
Or  shuts  me  up  in  hell." 

Gathered  around  that  bed  of  death  was  the 
crushed  wife,  three  orphan  children,  and  a  large 
circle  of  relatives  and  friends.  The  funeral  was 
sad,  indeed.  The  house  was  full  of  gloom,  and 
in  the  future  there  seemed  a  darker  shadow  com- 
ing to  Mrs.  Van  Cott  than  ever.  Prop  after  prop 
had  been  taken  away,  so  that  when  she  thought 
of  business  and  support  there  was  no  one  on 
whom  to  lean  save  the  strong  arm  of  God. 

The  young  missionary,  Rev.  Alfred  Battersby, 
had  frequently  called  at  the  office,  and  their 
acquaintance  had  ripened  into  warm  friendship. 
He  ran  in  one  day,  sat  down  at  the  desk,  and 
commenced  writing  a  letter.  Without  stopping 
to  think,  she  asked,  "Alfred,  to  whom  are  you 
writing .?"  and  at  once  offered  an  apology  for  the 
rudeness  of  the  address. 

"  I  am  writing  to  my  sister." 

Although  they  had  been  acquainted  for  a  yeai 
and  a  half,  this  was  the  first  time  she  had  heard 
of  his  having  a  sister. 

"  I  did  not  know  you  had  a  sister.  How  old 
is  she  r 

"Yes,  I  have  a  little  sister,  about  fifteen,  by 
the  name  of  Estella." 


142        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

*'  If  it  would  not  be  rude  I  would  like  to  write 
to  her,  for  truly  she  has  a  sweet  name." 

"  Please  do  write  ;  she  would  be  delighted." 

She  took  the  pen,  wrote  a  few  lines,  and  sent 
her  photograph  to  the  "little  sister."  In  a  few 
days  a  letter  came,  with  this  sentence :  "  If  this 
is  a  true  picture,  I  wish  you  would  come  and  see 
us  in  our  mountain  home,  for  I  know  I  should 
love  you  very  much.  Mother  joins  me  in  this 
invitation." 

A  very  interesting  correspondence  commenced, 
and  others  at  last  joined  in  the  request  for  her  to 
come.  She  had  toiled  for  many  years  without 
the  slightest  recreation,  and  finally  consented  to 
go,  with  the  understanding  that  Estella,  who  had 
never  been  eight  miles  from  home  in  her  life, 
should  return  with  her  and  spend  two  weeks  in 
the  city.  This  was  finally  agreed  to,  and  prepa- 
rations were  speedily  made  for  a  trip  to  Durham, 
Greene  county,  New  York,  just  for  a  nice  rest 
and  pleasant  visit  at  the  parsonage  of  Rev.  John 
Battersby. 

The  journey  was  tedious,  all  night  on  the  boat, 
twenty  miles  by  stage,  and  the  last  two  in  a  car- 
riage, which  finally  landed  her  at  the  parsonage. 
Imagine  the  surprise  when  a  two  hundred  pound 
lady  came  out,  opened  the  gate,  and  answered  to 
the  name  of  "  my  dear  little  sister  Estella."     The 


CLOUDS,   TEMPTATIONS,  AND  SORROWS.    1 43 

joke  was  a  good  one,  but  the  warm  welcome  and 
Christian  cheerfulness  made  her  forget  the  cold 
as  they  joined  freely  in  talking  of  mission  work 
and  the  cause  of  Christ  in  general. 

On  the  morrow  she  went  out  in  the  field  and 
assisted  the  men  in  cutting  corn-stalks.  At  the 
barn  she  saw  them  thrashing  grain  with  flails. 
This  also  was  new  to  her,  and  in  trying  ''her 
hand''  a  few  strokes  completely  satisfied  her 
curiosity,  and  she  was  ready  for  something  else. 
The  fanning-mill  afforded  a  good  illustration,  as 
she  saw  the  chaff  driven  away  and  the  clean 
wheat  shoveled  into  the  great  bins. 

During  the  afternoon  she  learned  that  there 
were  revival  services  being  held  at  the  church 
in  Cornellsville,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  distant, 
and  she  determined  to  attend  that  evening.  The 
moon  shone  brightly,  and  the  walk  was  very 
pleasant  to  the  house  of  God,  where  hearts  were 
made  glad  in  a  Savior's  love.  Her  strong,  clear 
voice  attracted  attention,  and  during  the  exer- 
cises of  the  prayer  and  speaking  meeting  the 
young  people  frequently  handed  her  their  books, 
marking  pieces  for  her  to  sing  as  opportunity 
offered.  Each  evening  found  her  at  the  church, 
at  a  cost  of  a  walk  of  three  miles  and  badly  blis- 
tered feet. 

One  Sabbath  she  was  invited  to  help  the  choir, 


144         ^^^'-^^  ^lAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

and  it  was  declared  "sich  a  singer  had  never  been 
in  these  yer  parts  afore."  In  the  evening  the 
choir  occupied  seats  in  the  body  of  the  church. 
The  meeting  progressed  splendidly,  when  pres- 
ently an  old  lady  came  to  the  seat  beside  her, 
leaned  over,  and  addressed  Mrs.  Battersby's  son, 
whose  deep  bass  voice  had  so  weU  accompa- 
nied the  clear  soprano  and  the  "  little  sister's " 
choice  alto. 

"Alzie,"  she  whined,  "you  must  stop  this 
singin'.  There's  many  would  like  to  speak,  and 
if  you  keep  up  this  continued  sing,  sing,  sing, 
they  won't  get  a  chance  to  speak.  Mind,  I  tell 
you  this  in  love,  but  it  must  be  stopped." 

There  was   a   question  about  "  love "  in  that 
keen,  snappish  address,  but  doubtless  music  was 
not  pleasing  to  the  old  lady,  and,  as  they  had  not 
sung  more  than  a  single  stanza  between  the  testi- 
monies, they  could  not  be  much  out  of  order. 
But  the  young  people  were  hurt,  and  whispered, 
"  Do  n't  sing  another  bit,  will  you  .'*" 
"  We  will  see  about  it,"  she  answered. 
After  a  few  more  had  spoken,  and  no  hymn 
sung,  the  people  began  to  look  around  and  won- 
der at  the  pause.     At  this  the  whole  strength  of 
the  choir  broke  out  in  the  strains  of  that  grand 
old  hymn, 

"How  tedious  and  tasteless  the  hours,"  etc., 


CLOUDS,   TEMPTAriONS,  AND  SORROWS.     145 

and,  as  the  whole  congregation  caught  with  them 
the  second  line,  the  good  old  lady  sprang  to  her 
feet,  jumping  and  shouting  aloud  the  praises  of 
God  so  lustily  as  fairly  to  drown  the  great  volume 
of  song.  The  meeting  closed,  and,  as  the  people 
were  retiring,  a  lady  exclaimed,  "  The  minister 
did  not  appoint  a  meeting  for  to-morrow  night !" 

The  shouting  lady  heard  the  remark,  and  re- 
sponded, 

"  A  meeting  !  No  use  of  appointing  meetings  ; 
the  devil 's  in  the  place  ;  people  care  more  for 
singing  than  they  do  for  their  souls." 

At  this  moment  the  voice  of  Rev,  J.  Battersby 
was  heard  announcing  services  in  his  own  neigh- 
borhood for  the  next  evening. 

When  the  time  arrived  the  place  was  crowded, 
and  it  was  a  season  of  great  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  They  sang  long  after  the 
meeting  closed,  as  she  expected  to  return  on  the 
morrow,  and  would  have  to  say  farewell.  At  the 
parsonage  she  was  met  by  another  party,  begging 
her  to  sing  just  one  or  two  more  sweet  hymns 
for  them.  At  midnight  they  all  kneeled  around 
I  he  family  altar  in  thanksgiving  for  all  the  bless- 
ings received  during  the  happy  visit  among  the 
newly  made  friends. 

Next  dixy  they  started  for  the  city ;  and,  as  one 
exclamation  after  another  came  from  Estella's  lips, 


1 46         MJ^S.  MA  G  cm  NE IV TON  VA  N  CO  7  T. 

the  scene  became  very  interesting.  The  steam- 
boat, the  supper-gong,  and,  to  cap  the  chmax,  the 
scream  of  the  whistle,  and  the  swiftly  running 
cars,  fairly  entranced-  the  heart  of  the  precious 
young  girl.  Reaching  the  city,  she  became  fairly 
wild  with  excitement  as  she  saw  the  stores  and 
streets  brilliantly  illuminated  with  gas.  Two 
weeks  were  spent  in  sight-seeing — all  of  the  great 
points  of  interest  were  visited,  and  the  hour  of 
her  return  came.  Poor  Estella  felt  it  sadly,  and 
the  tears  rained  down  her  cheeks.  It  was  long 
before  those  hours  of  intense  interest  and  brilliant 
scenes  ceased  to  be  the  subject  of  daily  conver- 
sation among  her  friends  at  home. 

In  the  early  part  of  November  the  afflicting 
hand  of  God  was  again  laid  upon  the  aged  mother- 
in-law.  Week  after  week,  for  nearly  three  months, 
she  lingered  and  suffered.  The  anxious  watch- 
ings  and  cares  were  shared  by  the  sisters-in-law. 
After  the  toils  of  the  day  at  the  office  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  would  hasten  to  the  bedside  of  the  ripe 
Christian  ;  and  no  one  was  more  welcome  at  the 
couch  of  the  suffering  one.  The  scenes  and  trials 
cf  other  days  were  talked  over,  and  memories  ran 
back  to  the  time  when  dear  ones  were  with  them. 
Tears  were  sure  to  fall  as  they  lived  over  again 
the  scenes  of  other  days. 

One  Saturday  afternoon  word  came  to  the  office 


CLOUDS,   TEMPTATIONS,  AND  SORROWS.     1 47 

that  she  was  worse.  All  business  was  laid  aside, 
and  Mrs.  Van  Cott  hastened  again  to  the  h;ime 
of  sadness.  One  look  convinced  her  that  :he 
hour  drew  near>when  death  would  claim  another 
victim.     Turning  to  Mrs.  Contrell,  she  said, 

"Debbie,  mother  will  not  live  another  night; 
this  is  her  last  on  earth  ;  let  us  remain  as  watchers 
with  her." 

The  poor  sufferer  was  very  restless,  talked  in- 
cessantly, but  toward  morning  became  more  quiet. 
About  6  o'clock  they  called  the  family  for  the 
final  farewell.  When  she  was  nearly  gone  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  asked, 

"  Mother,  do  you  know  me  .''" 

"Yes,  my  child." 

"  You  will  soon  be  with  our  own  dear  loved 
one ;  tell  him  I  am  struggling  to  gain  that  blessed 
shore." 

"  I  will,  my  child,"  she  whispered  softly. 

"Are  the  waters  cold  .''" 

"  O !  no." 

"  Is  Jesus  with  you  .?" 

"  Yes,  my  child." 

A  quiet  sigh,  a  gentle  murmur,  coming  far 
across  the  sea  of  death,  and  the  echoes  died  away 
on  the  shores  of  time  forever.  The  two  daugh- 
ters and  the  daughter-in-law  were  alone  with  their 
dead. 


148 


MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


As  the  morning  of  February  2,  1868,  dawned, 
for  the  third  time  in  less  than  two  years  they 
wept  by  the  couch  of  departed  kindred.  Earthly 
joys  were,  one  by  one,  taken  away ;  but  the  heart 
more  fervently  clung  to  Him,  who  is  the  same 
yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever. 


CHAPTER   IX. 
THE   WIDENING    FIELD. 


HE  work  at  the  mission  prospered  ;  but, 
as  Winter  set  in,  the  people  in  Greene 
county   began    again    their    earnest   en- 
treaty for  another  visit. 

"  Do  come  and  see  us,"  wrote  Estella.  "  Father 
has  gone  over  the  mountains  to  spend  several 
weeks  preaching,  and  we  are  so  lonesome  here  in 
this  mountain  home.  The  snow  is  three  feet 
deep,  but  the  roads  are  open,  so  that  it  is  glorious 
sleighing." 

These  pressing  letters  kept  coming  each  week, 
until  she  began  to  consider  the  matter  seriously ; 
and,  as  business  was  a  little  dull,  she  thought  a 
few  days  among  the  mountains  would  be  quite 
desirable. 

On  the  i8th  of  February,  1868,  one  of  the  coldest 
days  of  that  Winter,  she  left  the  city  to  "  rusti- 
cate"  among  the  snow-drifts  of  Greene   county. 

149 


150         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

During  the  ride  from  Catskill  to  the  parsonage 
nothing  of  interest  occurred,  save  upsetting  three 
times  into  the  abundant  snow-drifts,  a  bruised 
shoulder,  and  nose,  two  fingers,  and  six  toes 
frozen.  The  dear  ones  had  retired,  but  soon 
arose,  and,  with  the  cheerful  fire,  made  her  doubly 
welcome. 

Little  did  she  know  that  night  of  the  new 
scenes  and  trials  about  to  open,  and  how  near 
she  was  to  the  vantage-ground  of  a  wider  field 
of  usefulness.  In  the  morning  the  family  gathered 
in  the  cozy  sitting-room  for  prayers.  The  aged 
father  in  Israel  conducted  the  devotions.  He 
was  one  of  those  great,  good-hearted  men,  whose 
Christian  deportment  and  sound  judgment  im- 
pressed all  with  whom  he  associated — tall  and 
heavy,  with  full  chest,  high  forehead,  and  white 
hair,  he  was  one  of  the  noble  of  earth.  A  slight 
stroke  of  palsy  had  disturbed  his  nerves,  and  his 
whole  frame  trembled,  despite  his  strong  will  and 
best  endeavors  to  steady  his  hand.  They  sat  in 
quiet  meditation  for  a  moment  after  devotions, 
when  Rev.  John  Battersby  arose,  took  the  family 
Bible,  crossed  the  room,  and  handed  it  to  Mis. 
Van  Cott,  saying, 

"  Child,  I  want  you  to  take  this  book,  look  out 
a  subject,  and  preach  for  us  at  the  school-house 
to-night." 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD.  15I 

Completely  overcome  with  surprise,  she  turned 
pale,  hesitated,  and  finally  said,  "  Sir,  I  can  not 
preach." 

*' Why,  Charley" — his  son  at  the  Leonard-street 
mission — "  writes  us  that  you  preach  three  or  four 
times  each  week,  and  it  is  a  pity  you  can  not 
preach  for  us  once." 

"  Father  Battersby,!  never  attempted  to  preach  ; 
I  do  not  understand  the  first  rule.  I  do  the  best 
I  can  to  talk  for  Jesus,  and  praise  his  name — he 
saves  precious  souls — but  as  to  leading  a  meeting 
here,  I  can  not  do  it ;  but  if  you  will  go  on  with 
your  meeting,  I  will  do  my  part." 

"  No,  you  must  preach." 

"  Excuse  my  rudeness  ;  but  I  will  not." 

•'Why  not?" 

"  Because  I  am  not  willing  to  show  myself  so 
foolish.  You  tell  me  there  are  four  local  preach- 
ers within  a  mile  of  this  place,  and  they  know 
much  more  of  the  Bible  than  I.  The  people  on 
the  Five  Points  are  very  illiterate,  and  I  do  not 
mind  speaking  to  them,  but  I  can  not  here." 

Placing  the  Bible  in  her  lap,  he  continued, 
"  The  people  expect  it,  and  you  mustr 

*'  If  the  people  expect  it,  it  is  your  fault ;"  and 
she  began  to  weep. 

"  Do  n't  feel  bad  ;  we  never  have  more  than  ten 
or   twelve   persons   out,   and   Charley   says   you 


152         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

sometimes  speak  to  a  hundred  and  fifty  at  youi 
meeting.     Come,  cheer  up,  God  will  help  you." 

Left  alone  with  the  thought  "you  must 
preach,"  strange  memories  ran  through  her  mind. 
The  word  '^preach,''  as  applied  to  her  efforts,  was 
always  harsh,  and  undesirable  ;  and  then  some 
thoughtless  persons  were  ever  putting  "  Rev."  on 
her  letters,  a  thing  she  could  never  sanction  ;  and 
then  she  remembered  a  certain  dream  of  some 
months  agone.  Of  dreams  she  cared  but  little^ 
but  this  one  was  peculiar      It  ran  thus  : 

/n  her  accustomed  place  at  church  she  heard  a 
voice  saying,  "  You  must  preach." 

•'  You  are   mistaken  ;    I  do  not  know  how  to 
preach,"  she  repUed  to  the  unseen  messenger. 
"  It  makes  no  difierence  ;  you  must  preach." 
"  I  am  a  lady ;  it  is  the  work  of  the  gentlemen 
lo  preacn.' 

"  Come,"  the  voice  continued,  "  the  church  is 
crowded,  and  the  people  expect  it." 

As  she  obeyed,  and  ascended  the  pulpit,  the 
thought  arose,  "  I  '11  do  the  very  best  I  can  to  tell 
the  people  of  the  love  of  Jesus." 

The  house  was  indeed  crowded,  but  she  saw  no 
one  in  particular,  save  a  dear  old  gentleman  sit- 
ting near  the  altar.  After  services  she  asked  one 
of  the  brethren,  "  Can  you  tell  me  who  that  gen- 
tleman is,  with  his  silver  hair  dressed  in  a  cue?" 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD.  1 53 

"That  is  Rev.  John  Wesley,  the  founder  of 
Methodism.*' 

A  shudder  passed  over  her  frame,  and  she 
asked  again,  "  Have  I  been  speaking  before  one 
80  talented  as  Mr.  Wesley?" 

At  this  moment  he  stepped  forward,  took  her 
trembling  hand,  saying,  "  Do  not  be  alarmed,  my 
child  ;  you  will  speak  before  greater  than  I." 

The  whole  dream  had  such  a  vividness,  and  so 
many  things  in  harmony  with  the  duties  then 
before  her,  that  to  hesitate  longer  might  be  sin. 
True,  Wesley  was  dead,  dreams  were  nothing ; 
but  an  aged  veteran  was  before  her,  and  others 
would  be  there,  of  sound  mental  and  theological 
culture. 

And  then,  again,  previous  to  her  leaving  the 
city,  a  lady  friend,  to  whom  she  had  intrusted  her 
class-meeting,  asked,  "Was  you  ever  called  to 
preach .?" 

To  which  she  answered,  ''No,  never^ 

"  Was  you  called  for  a  class-leader  ?" 

"  No." 

"  What  was  you  called  for,  then  .?" 

"  I  do  not  know,  unless  it  was  to  live  for  God, 

and  make   my  way  to  heaven  ;    and  I  find  this 

about  as  much  as  I  can  do.     Take  good  care  of 

my  children,  and,  God  willing,  T  will  be  at  home 

next  week." 

13 


154        ^^^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

But  to  return  :  Evening  came,  and  at  "  early 
candle-light"  the  family  started  for  the  school 
house,  which  they  found  crowded  with  people. 
She  was  conducted  to  the  desk,  but  it  was  so 
small  and  near  the  wall  there  was  no  room  for  a 
chair,  or  a  place  for  her  to  sit  down,  and  fot 
people  of  her  size  it  would  be  exceedingly  diffi- 
cult even  to  kneel  down,  and  so  she  was  obliged 
to  conduct  the  meeting  standing  all  the  time. 

The  Word  was  opened,  and  the  story  of  the 
cross  told  to  the  believing  and  the  erring. 

At  the  close  a  score  or  more  pressed  around, 
calling,  ''  Please,  sister,  have  meeting  to-morrow 
night." 

She  was  somewhat  embarrassed,  but  after  a 
moment  in  prayer,  saying,  "  Here  am  I,  Lord," 
she  consented,  and  the  news  flew  all  over  the 
neighborhood. 

Next  evening  the  school-house  could  not  hold 
the  people,  who  had  come  from  all  directions. 
Some  tarried  outside  as  long  as  they  could  endure 
the  cold.  The  meeting  was  good,  and  after  the 
curiosity  was  over,  some  felt  the  need  of  clean 
hearts  and  pardon  in  Jesus.  As  the  place  could 
not  hold  the  people,  she  was  asked,  "  Will  you 
conduct  services  in  the  Hervey-Street  Baptist 
Church,  about  a  mile  from  here,  if  it  can  be  ob- 
tained r 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD.  I55 

To  this  she  consented.  Then  another  delega- 
tion wanted  to  know  if  she  would  "  preach  there 
on  Sunday  night." 

"I  have  no  objections  to  talking  for  Jesus  at 
that  hour,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Will  you  also  hold  meeting  on  Monday  even 
ing.?" 

"  No  ;  I  must  return  to  New  York  on  Monday.' 

Sunday  evening  a  grand  sleigh-load  drove  up 
to  the  Baptist  Church,  which  had  been  locked  for 
more  than  a  year,  where  already  an  audience  had 
assembled.  As  soon  as  she  arrived  at  the  table 
in  front  of  the  stand  she  found  that  the  two  can- 
dles on  the  sides  of  the  wall,  and  the  one  over  the 
pulpit,  did  not  give  sufficient  light  for  reading  the 
hymn.  Asking  the  gentleman  who  acted  as  jani- 
tor to  get  another  light,  he  replied,  "  Why  do  n't 
you  go  into  the  pulpit  V 

To  this  she  objected ;  and,  v/aiting  a  moment, 
he  continued,  "  I  can  't  get  a  lamp  very  well ;  go 
m  the  pulpit,  every  body  does." 

No  sooner  had  her  feet  touched  that  spot  than 
she  felt  overpowered  by  the  step  taken.  In  the 
silent  prayer  that  followed,  the  burden  of  her 
prayer  was,  "  If  this  step  is  right,  O  God,  give 
me  to  see  souls  seeking  thee  this  very  night." 

This  burden  had  not  been  before  her  mind  on 
the  evenings  previous,  but  now  the  great  question 


156         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

of  standing  in  the  pulpit  and  proclaiming  salva- 
tion to  all,  nearly  overwhelmed  her.  She  re- 
mained longer  kneeling  than  usual,  but  arose  with 
a  sweet  consciousness  of  the  presence  of  Christ 
When  speaking  she  soon  forgot  the  pulpit,  left  it, 
and  in  the  strong  exhortation  for  sinners  to  "flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come,"  she  found  herself  part 
v\  ay  down  the  aisle.  Eight  persons  came  forward 
for  prayers,  and  knelt  at  the  "  anxious  seat," 
weeping  in  deep  anguish  of  spirit. 

Sabbath  day  a  storm  raged  till  three  o'clock, 
but  the  family  had  a  good  day  at  the  parsonage, 
reading  sermons.  In  the  evening  the  clouds 
scattered,  and  it  became  clear,  and  very  cold. 
The  church  was  so  full  of  people  that  many  feared 
for  their  safety.  The  house  trembled  under  its 
great  burden,  but  no  sill  nor  timber  gave  way 
during  all  of  the  meetings. 

When  the  opportunity  was  offered,  the  "  anx- 
ious seat"  was  again  filled,  this  time  with  middle- 
aged  and  old  people.  Some  found  peace  in  Jesus, 
while  others  were  yet  in  sorrow  and  deep  peni- 
tence. Near  the  time  of  closing  she  bade  the 
congregation  and  friends  farewell,  expecting  to 
return  home  in  the  morning. 

Father  Battersby  arose,  laid  his  trembling  hand 
on  her  shoulder,  shaking  her  whole  frame,  and 
pointing  toward  the  mourners,  asked, 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD.  1 57 

"  Do  you  dare  to  go  away,  and  leave  that 
work  ?" 

"  That  is  not  my  work ;  it  is  God's  work,"  she 
replied. 

"  Yes ;  but  He  sent  yoii  here  to  do  it." 

"  But,  sir,  you  told  me  that  six  ministers  were 
in  the  house  to-night ;  you  can  conduct  the  meet- 
ings. I  njust  go  home  ;  you  know  I  have  left  my 
business  and  my  child." 

"  Yes  ;  but  these  immortal  souls  .?" 

"  I  understand  ;  but  I  do  n't  see  how  I  can 
possibly  remain." 

At  last  she  consented  to  stay  until  Wednesday ; 
but  when  the  work  of  that  evening  was  closing, 
fifteen  souls  were  yet  at  the  altar  of  prayer,  many 
of  them  for  the  first  time ;  most  all  of  them  over 
thirty,  and  two  or  three  between  sixty  and  seventy 
years  of  age.  And  now  the  people,  and  espe- 
cially the  young  converts,  urged  so  strongly,  that 
she  consented  to  remain  for  a  time  indefinite. 

Six  weeks  passed,  and  God  gave  her  seventy- 
five  souls,  as  seals  to  the  work,  and  the  step  she 
had  taken  had  received  the  Divine  approval. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  meeting,  the  presiding 
elder  of  this  (the  Plattsville)  district,  was  intro- 
duced to  her,  and  said,  "  Over  at  Hunter  they  aie 
having  protracted  meetings,  and  it  is  your  duty  to 
go  and  help  them." 


158         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON'  VAN  COTT. 

**  I  can  not  see  duty  in  that  direction,"  she  an- 
swered. "  I  have  not  seen  my  child  in  six  weeks, 
and  my  business  has  been  at  a  stand-still,  while 
my  expenses  have  been  running  on,  amounting 
now  to  hundreds  of  dollars.  I  miis^  go  to  New 
York  ;  but  I  will  come  to  you,  and  spend  a  few 
days,  if  you  desire,  providing  you  will  send  to 
Catskill  for  me." 

"It  shall  be  done,  and  we  will  consider  that 
settled." 

It  was  hard  to  part  with  the  young  converts ; 
but  that  over,  weary  and  worn,  she  reached  her 
home  next  day.  There  was  no  time  now  to  rest ; 
she  must  go  immediately  among  her  customers, 
and  take  orders.  All  sorts  of  inquiries  had  been 
instituted  during  her  long  absence,  but  they  were 
glad  of  her  return,  and  business  was  royal. 

The  following  Friday  another  trial  came.  Her 
daughter  was  lonely,  and  disliked  exceedingly  to 
have  mamma  away.  This  time  she  desired  to 
accompany  her,  but  it  was  not  deemed  best,  as 
she  had  a  good  home  and  kind  friends.  Reach- 
ing Catskill  about  three,  P.  M.,  she  found  no  one 
awaiting  her  coming.  The  anguish  of  parting 
with  her  daughter  had  brought  on  a  severe  head- 
ache, and  she  was  so  disappointed  in  not  finding 
any  one  awaiting  her  coming,  that  she  finally  con- 
cluded to  take  the  evening  boat  and  return  home. 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD,  I  59 

While  out  shopping  she  was  recognized  by  a  local 
preacher  from  her  late  field  of  labor,  who,  learning 
of  her  intentions,  remonstrated,  saying,  "  The 
road  through  the  mountain  pass  is  very  bad  ; 
they,  no  doubt,  started  for  you,  but  have  broken 
down,  or  been  delayed  by  something ;  and,  be- 
sides, a  host  of  the  young  converts  expect  to  drive 
over  to  Hunter  on  Sabbath.  Do  stay  ;  some  one 
will  be  after  you,  I  am  sure." 

She  returned  to  the  hotel,  ordered  the  coach  to 
call  in  the  morning,  and  retired,  weary,  heart-sick, 
and  lonely.  She  cried  herself  to  sleep,  and  was 
aroused  in  the  morning  by  a  heavy  knock,  and 
stentorian  lungs  calling,  "Time  for  stage  in  half 
an  hour."  She  prepared  quickly,  and  on  looking 
out  found  it  snowing  very  hard.  In  due  time  the 
stage  arrived,  a  very  uncomfortable-looking  con- 
cern, without  any  top,  or  covering  whatever,  to 
protect  travelers  from  the  pelting  storm.  She 
took  a  seat  in  the  rattling  old  vehicle,  without 
even  an  umbrella,  and  was  really  glad  her  daugh- 
ter was  at  home.  Seven  tedious  hours  they  plod- 
ded along,  and  finally  arrived  at  Hunter,  not 
knowing  a  person  in  the  place,  and  having  for- 
gotten the  minister's  name.  This  the  driver 
learned  at  the  post-office,  and  drove  to  the  ;:ar- 
sonage,  where  the  minister's  wife  smilingly  met 
her,  saying,  "I  will  explain  what  may  seem  very 


l60        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

Strange  to  you.  We  have  been  holding  meetings 
some  six  weeks,  and  had  a  glorious  work ;  twen- 
ty-five souls  were  converted.  My  husband  has 
gone  to  Conference.  We  have  a  preacher  for  to- 
morrow, and  so  I  thought  I  would  not  send  for 
you." 

Glad  in  heart  to  leave  the  place,  she  said, 
"  Please  tell  me  where  your  hotel  is,  that  I  may 
get  a  conveyance  and  go  over  to  Father  Batters- 
by's,and  it  will  all  be  right." 

"  O,  you  need  not  hire  a  buggy ;  I  will  send 
mine  as  soon  as  I  collect  enough  to  pay  your  fare 
on  the  stage." 

"Never  mind  the  stage  fare,  that  is  settled. 
Get  the  buggy ;  it  is  now  three  o'clock,  and  four- 
teen miles  yet  to  drive ;  let  me  hasten  on  my 
way." 

Just  then  a  knock  was  heard  at  the  door,  and 
one  of  the  official  members  came  in.  After  the 
usual  salutation  he  said,  "  You  can 't  go  to  Dur- 
ham to-night,  want  you  to  preach  for  us." 

"  No,  I  am  not  willing  to  be  in  the  way  of  any 
minister,"  she  answered,  "  and  you  have  one  for 
to-morrow;  let  me  go." 

*'  Leave  that  to  me,"  he  replied ;  "  will  you 
preach  for  us  to-night.-^" 

"  I   might  talk  a  little,  if  the  people  desire  " 

The  information  spread  rapidly,  the  church  bell 


THE  WIDENING  FIELD.  l6l 

was  rung,  and   the  powerful  voice  of  the  official 
member  was  heard  crying, 

"  That  air  woman  preacher  has  come,  and  is 
goin'  to  hold  forth  to-night." 

In  due  time  the  house  was  quite  full,  and  she 
ipoke  the  best  she  could  for  the  Master.  At  the 
close  they  wanted  her  to  speak  to  the  Sunday- 
school  at  half-past  nine,  in  the  morning,  preach  at 
ten  and  a  half,  lead  class,  and  preach  again  in  the 
evening.  What  strength  she  had  was  cheerfully 
given  to  the  Master.  The  class,  following  the 
morning  services,  lasted  till  two  o'clock,  and 
when  she  reached  the  parsonage  her  strength 
was  nearly  gone. 

In  the  evening  another  delegation  requested 
her  to  stay  in  the  place  for  two  weeks  at  least, 
and  hold  meetings.  This  was  finally  disposed  of 
by  referring  the  question  to  the  Lord  in  prayer, 
and  to  be  considered  accepted  if  tJiree  souls  pre- 
sented themselves  at  the  altar  for  prayers  that 
night. 

This  committee  had  hardly  retired,  before  an- 
other called  from  a  distant  charge,  saying,  "  Do 
come  and  preach  for  us  one  Sabbath  before  you 
return  to  New  York."  Not  aware  that  minis- 
terial etiquette  demanded  an  invitation  from  the 
pastor  in  charge,  she  consented,  and  proved  in 
this  that  "ignorance  was  bliss." 


1 62         Ml^S.  MA  G GIE  NE  WTON  VAN  CO  TT. 

During  the  evening,  although  unusual  effort 
was  made,  only  one  person  came  forward  for 
prayers,  so  the  next  morning  she  left  for  Durham. 
Reaching  Father  Battersby's  house,  she  retired, 
and  through  indisposition  never  quitted  her  room 
for  three  days.  On  Thursday,  being  much  bet- 
ter, word  flew  around  and  a  fine  congregation 
gathered  again  in  Hervey-Street  Church.  She 
met  the  children  in  Christ,  pressed  the  cause  of 
truth  again,  and  five  more  were  added  to  their 
number.  Another  meeting  was  appointed  for  the 
next  evening,  but  a  drifting  snow-storm  blocked 
up  the  roads,  and  it  was  impossible  to  reach  the 
church.  Saturday  the  roads  were  oj>ened,  and 
a  brisk  team  plunged  on  through  the  sparkling 
snow  to  Windham  Center. 

They  were  met  at  the  gate  of  the  parsonage  by 
the  good  minister,  who  kindly  welcomed  her  to 
his  home.  While  at  supper  she  felt  some  em- 
barrassment, for  it  was  evident  she  was  closely 
watched,  though  a  pure.  Christian  deportment 
rested  upon  all  the  household.  Meeting  was 
announced  for  the  same  evening,  and  in  the  closet 
and  at  the  family  altar  before  Church  services,  the 
presence  of  God  was  felt. 

The  aisles  of  the  beautiful  little  church  seemed 
very  long  as  she  followed  the  pastor,  who  knelt 
with    her   at  the   altar  in   prayer.     Arising,    he 


THE   WIDENING  FIELD.  163 

«twj^jcd  to  her  side  and  said,  "Take  the  pulpit;" 
she  hesitated  a  moment,  but  finally  obeyed  orders. 

The  pulpit  is  doubtless  no  more  sacred  than 
any  other  part  of  the  house  of  God,  but  education 
and  custom  have  given  to  it  a  sanctity  which  is 
questionable.  A  hill-side,  a  mountain,  or  any 
spot  that  will  command  the  eyes  and  ears  of  the 
people,  is  a  fitting  place  to  proclaim  the  Gospel. 

A  breathless  stillness  pervaded  the  audience, 
as  she  arose  and  opened  the  service.  In  the  altar 
sat  the  pastor,  Rev.  A.  C.  Morehouse,  one  of 
God's  noblemen,  watchful  and  careful  for  his 
flock.  The  meeting  closed,  with  several  seekers 
inquiring  the  way  to  the  Cross  of  Christ,  and  a 
few  were  made  to  rejoice. 

"This  is  glorious,"  shouted  the  pastor  as  they 
entered  the  parsonage ;  "  did  you  expect  to  see 
sinners  start  to-night  .^" 

"  Certainly  I  did  ;  was  not  that  what  we  prayed 
for?"  she  answered. 

The  Sabbath  dawned  brightly,  and  people  came 
from  many  miles  around,  eager  to  "  hear  the  wom- 
an." Many  questions  were  asked  the  good  pas- 
tor and  his  family,  such  as,  "  Who  is  she  T'  '*  Where 
from.''"  "Where's  her  home.'*"  "How  long  has 
she  been  in  the  work .?"  "  Has  she  any  family  .^" 
"When  did  her  husband  die  .'*"  etc. 

The  day  passed  sweetly  in  holy  worship  ;  the 


l64         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

house  seemed  the  vestibule  of  that  temple  just 
out  of  sight. 

In  the  evening  the  altar  was  filled  with  seekers, 
and  many  serious  ones  in  the  congregation  were 
almost  persuaded  to  become  Christians. 

Again  the  minister  rejoiced.  "  I  never  saw  it 
on  this  fashion.  This  is  the  work  of  God,  and 
you  can  not  leave  us." 

"  I  must  go  and  attend  to  my  much-neglected 
business." 

"  Do  stop  for  a  few  days  ;  the  people  are  greatly 
moved.  Last  Winter  I  toiled  and  got  the  best 
help  I  could,  and  ran  the  meeting  three  weeks, 
and  not  one  soul  moved.  Now,  on  this,  the  second 
evening,  only  look !  You  will  stay  ;  you  can  not 
feel  at  liberty  to  go." 

"  But  my  child  and  my  business,  what  of  them  ?" 

"  God  will  care  for  them  and  you,  too."  She  con- 
sented to  remain  until  Wednesday,  and  the  meet- 
ings were  so  announced.  There  were  gatherings 
also  in  the  afternoons,  and  the  work  broke  out 
afresh.  When  Wednesday  arrived  it  was  impossible 
to  get  away  from  the  urgent  pleaders,  and  again 
the  time  was  extended  indefinitely.  Seven  weeks 
passed  in  this  wonderful  work,  with  but  two  days' 
intermission  for  her  to  go  to  New  York  ci'/  and 
return  with  her  child,  as  the  mother's  hear  could 
endure  the  separation  no  longer. 


CHAPTER  X. 


REVIVAL    INCIDENTb. 


ANY  were  the  incidents  during  the  meet- 
ings which  she  held,  but  only  a  Umited 
number  can  be  given.  One  evening  in 
passing  through  the  congregation,  as  was  her  cus- 
tom, speaking  to  this  one  and  that,  she  observed 
an  old  gentleman  weeping  very  freely. 

"  Have  you  ever  given  your  heart  to  the  Savior .?" 
she  asked. 

"  No,  never,"  was  the  subdued  reply. 

"  Do  you  not  think  it  is  time,  sir  ?  Your  gray 
hairs  tell  me  that  time  with  you  will  soon  be  no 
more.  Won't  you  give  your  heart  to  Jesus  to- 
night ?" 

"  O  no,  not  to-night,"  was  the  prompt  answer. 

*'Stop!  That  sentence  has  damned  millions. 
Listen  and  think !  Christ  teaches  in  his  blessed 
Word  that  we  should  be  ready  for  his  coming,  and 

that  we  should  be  prepared  to  meet  our  God  as 

1 65 


1 66         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

we  know  not  when  the  death  angel  may  come. 
Do  hear  me,  sir.  This  night  thy  soul  may  be 
required  of  thee.  O,  come  to  Jesus  7iow,  for  now 
is  the  accepted  time,  and  behold  now  is  the  day 
of  salvation.     Do  you  desire  to  be  saved  V 

"  God  knows  I  do." 

"  Give  me  your  hand,  come  go  to  the  altar  and 
we  will  pray  for  you,  and  you  may  go  home  justi- 
fied through  faith  in  the  blood  of  Christ." 

He  endeavored  to  arise,  but  the  enemy  held  him 
down.  She  saw  the  step  must  be  taken  then, 
and  feeling  deeply  for  him  in  his  lost  condition, 
said, 

"Dear  sir,  I  command  you,  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  arise  and  walk ;"  and  with  a  desperate 
effort,  as  one  breaking  away  from  a  foe,  he  arose 
and  started  in  haste  for  the  altar. 

There  they  knelt  in  prayer  for  a  season,  when 
she  arose  and  returned  to  the  congregation. 

During  the  speaking-meeting  which  followed, 
all  who  had  found  peace  in  Christ  were  asked  to 
acknowledge  what  the  Master  had  done  for  them, 
and  give  him  the  praise.  Several  beautiful  testi- 
monies were  given,  and  the  meeting  closed. 

The  poor  old  man  arose  and  left  the  altar  the 
very  picture  of  despair.  Subsequently  she  learned 
that  he  was  a  wealthy  man,  but  by  his  intemper- 
ate habits  was  a  terror  to  his  family. 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS,  1 67 

The  pastor  remarked,  "  Do,  for  his  soul's  sake, 
follow  up  that  case  with  your  earnest  prayers." 

That  evening,  while  the  conversation  concern- 
ing the  meeting  was  going  on  in  the  home  circle, 
^e  of  the  members  of  the  family  remarked, 

"  Mr.  P says  Mrs.  Van  Cott  is  some  broken- 
down  actress  from  New  York  come  out  here  on  a 
catch." 

"  O,"  said  another,  "  Mr.  J said  she  was  a 

bad  woman  from  New  York,  and  he  would  not. 
trust  her  without  watching." 

"  Yes,  and  I  heard,"  said  another,  "  that  Col. 
R thinks  it  an  abominable  shame,  and  de- 
clares the  Methodist  Church  will  never  get 
over  the  disgrace  of  allowing  a  woman  in  the 
pulpit.  And  if  she  should  put  her  foot  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  [of  which  he  was  a  mem- 
ber], he  would  soon  show  her  the  door  and  put 
her  out." 

Here  all  laughed  except  the  stricken  one.  Her 
heart  fluttered  like  a  wounded  bird.  At  family 
prayers  she  was  too  much  crushed  under  the  blow 
to  have  any  command  of  utterance  for  some  mo- 
ments. 

Finally  she  prayed  earnestly  for  those  who  had 
spoken  evil  of  the  good  she  was  trying  to  do, 
and  of  their  intended  thrusts  at  her  Christian 
standing. 


1 68         MJ^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

In  her  room  alone  with  God,  and  where  no  eye 
could  see  but  his,  the  bruised  and  aching  heart 
cried  out  in  agony.  Never  before  in  her  whole 
life  had  any  evil  surmising,  or  evil  rumors 
reached  her  ears.  Remembering  her  slurrber- 
ing  dead,  and  her  own  defenseless  state,  she 
prayed  most  earnestly  to  die.  The  barbed  arrow 
was  too  sharp  and  well  driven  for  a  slight  wound. 
A  sad  wail  was  heard  in  her  room  by  the  fam- 
ily, and  the  cause  easily  understood. 

While  she  prayed  to  die  and  be  removed  from 
the  throng  that  had  spoken  such  bitter  things,  a 
consoling  voice  was  heard  sweetly  whispering  in 
her  soul,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient ;"  and  at  once  a 
quiet  peace  stole  over  the  troubled  heart.  Again, 
"  That  God  whom  thou  serveth,  to  whom  thou 
must  render  an  account,  knoweth  the  innocence 
of  thy  soul  concerning  the  things  whereof  these 
accuse  thee." 

She  answered,  "  I  care  naught  for  the  things  said, 
but  I  fear  I  have  gone  too  far  in  going  into  the 
pulpit ;  still  I  know  souls  have  been  blessed  in 
this  place.  And  now,  dear  Father,  if  thy  serv- 
ant is  doing  thy  will  in  thine  own  appointed  way, 
and  hast  not  committed  an  offense  in  thy  sight, 
show  her,  by  converting  Mr.  Bloodgood  this  very 
night,  so  that  he  may  rejoice  with  abundant  joy. 
Grant  this,  my  Father,  to  thy  servant,  and  all  the 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS.  l6g 

world  combined  shall  never  move  me."  Her 
sleep  was  sweet  that  night. 

As  the  next  evening  drew  on,  she  had  almost 
forgotten  the  request  made  to  the  Eternal  Father, 
but  while  speaking  she  saw  the  despairing  look 
of  Mr.  B.,  and  at  once  remembered  the  scenes  of 
the  past  night.  While  they  were  singing  and 
many  were  gathering  around  the  altar,  she  passed 
down  the  aisle  and  asked, 

"  Brother,  are  you  going  to  the  altar  T 

"  No  !  I  would  not  suffer  another  day  as  I  have 
to-day  for  the  world." 

"  Amen !  I  am  thankful  for  that.  I  do  n't 
want  you  should  ;  so  I  pray  you  come  to  Jesus, 
for  until  you  give  yourself  fully  to  him,  you  will 
never  know  peace." 

Looking  up  fully  in  her  face,  he  exclaimed,  "  I 
tell  you,  I  an't  going  to  that  altar !" 

"  Yes  you  will,  when  I  tell  you  that  Satan 
would  sift  you  as  wheat,  and  would  destroy  you 
if  he  could,  but  I  come  to  you,  and  in  Christ's 
stead,  plead  with  you  for  your  own  soul  ;  do, 
ple?.3e,  give  it  to  Jesus,  that  you  may  be  happy 
here  and  hereafter." 

"  God  knows  I  want  to  be  happy." 

"  Give  me  your  hand,  then,  and  let  me  lead  you 
again  to  the  altar." 

14 


170         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  O,  if  I  thought  there  was  mercy  for  me,  I 
would !" 

The  grip  of  the  old  Satanic  power  was  again 
upon  him,  and  he  seemed  unable  to  break  away. 

While  she  stood  a  moment  in  prayer,  and 
he  weeping,  she  felt  that  that  power  must  be 
broken. 

"  Mr.  Bloodgood,  I  invite,  nay,  I  entreat  you  ; 
no !  no !  in  the  name  of  God  I  command  you  to 
arise  and  walk.  Seek  earnestly  to-night ;  give  up 
all  to  the  Savior,  and  if  God  does  not  send  an 
answer  of  peace,  I  will  join  with  you  in  declaring 
his  word  is  not  true,  and  also  that  there  is  no 
salvation  for  you.  But  you  must  comply  with  the 
requirements  of  the  Gospel ;  sell  all  and  trust 
fully  in  Christ's  blood." 

Slowly  he  arose  saying,  "  I  '11  try  it  this  once ; 
if  I  do  n't  succeed,  I  '11  never  go  again."  She  left 
him  at  the  altar  among  the  other  seekers,  weeping 
and  praying.  After  an  hour  spent  around  the 
church,  urging  others  to  seek  Jesus,  she  returned 
to  the  altar  and  invited  any  who  had  been  blessed 
to  arise  and  speak  a  word  for  the  Master.  The 
invitation  was  scarcely  given  before  father  B.  was 
on  his  feet,  his  face  radiant  as  sunlight,  while 
teaiS  of  gladness  rained  down  his  cheeks.  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  cried  out, 

"  What  is  the  matter,  brother  ?" 


RE  VJVAL  INCH  ENTS.  1 7 1 

**  Matter !  Glor}^  to  God,  my  sins  are  all  blot- 
ted out ;  I  am  saved,  praise  the  Lord  !" 

A  loud  shout  was  given  by  many,  and  the  con- 
gregation sung, 

"  Jesus  saves  me  just  now,"  etc 
The  victory  was  complete  ;  the  petition  had  been 
granted,  and  she  stood  on  safe  ground.  The 
world  might  say  what  it  would,  that  point  was 
forever  settled.  The  pulpit  was  her  place,  .f  it 
was  the  most  convenient  place  to  speak  from. 
Never  did  criticisms  in  after  days  disturb  her  in 
the  least  in  reference  to  this. 

It  will  be  proper  to  state  that  two  of  those  who 
made  the  cruel  remarks  about  her  were  sweetly 
converted  to  God,  and  became  her  warm  friends. 
The  daughter  of  the  good  Presbyterian  brother 
was  among  the  happy  believers,  and  gave  a  very 
pressing  invitation  for  Mrs.  Van  Cott  to  take  tea 
at  her  house.  Some  thought  she  had  better  not 
go,  fearing  that  the  father  might  hurt  her  feelings 
with  some  unkind  remark ;  but  she  was  fully  con- 
vinced that  a  gentleman  could  not  so  far  orget 
himself  as  to  make  a  "  remark  "  in  his  own  house 
that  would  insult  an  invited  guest. 

According  to  appointment  she  went,  and  had 
a  very  pleasant  visit  with  Colonel  Robinson's 
mother,  wife,  and  daughter,  during  the  afternoon. 
At  supper  time  the  Colonel  had  not  yet  arrived. 


1/2         MRS.  MAGGIE  NE  WTON  VAN  COTT, 

but  came  in  while  they  were  eating,  greeted  her 
kindly,  took  his  seat  at  the  head  of  the  table  be- 
side her,  and,  after  a  few  remarks  had  passed  be- 
tween them,  laid  down  his  knife,  pushed  back  his 
chair,  and,  turning  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  in  a  very 
graceful  tone,  said, 

"  Will  you  allow  me  to  ask  you  a  few  questions  ?" 

"  Certainly,  sir,  only  please  do  not  trouble  me 
with  doctrinal  questions — I  never  argue  on  those 
questions." 

"  O  no  ;  but  tell  me — ahem — were  you  ever — 
ahem — an  actress  f  " 

She  had  been  fearing  some  profound  Biblical 
question  ;  but  this,  coming  as  it  did,  caused  a 
smile. 

"No" — and,  pausing  a  moment,  she  said,  "Yes." 

"Aha!  aha!  Wife,  I  told  you  so;  I  was  sure 
of  it." 

"  Yes,  I  have  been  an  actress,"  she  continued, 
"on  the  stage  of  life  for  thirty-eight  years,  but, 
sir,  none  other.  I  never  spoke  one  word  before  an 
audience  until  I  entered  this  work,  but  once,  and 
that  was  at  the  age  of  eight  years,  at  a  Sunday- 
school  anniversary.'' 

"But  you  can  not  deny  that  you  have  made  a 
great  study  to  read  aloud  .?"  he  continued,  pressing 
the  case  to  a  new  conclusion. 

"  Sir,  in  this  you  also  make  a  great  mistake.    I 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS.  173 

have  never  read  aloud  since  I  left  school,  save  to 
father  and  mother-in-law.  To  them  I  have  read 
Uncle  Tom's  Cabin,'  by  Mrs.  Stowe  ;  and  to  my 
sick  and  dying  husband  I  read  several  Methodist 
works." 

"Well,  well!  I  have  one  more  question,  ami 
I  am  sure  you  will  answer  it  to  my  satisfaction. 
You  have  made  a  study  of,  and  practiced  making 
gestures  ?" 

This  was  new,  and  quite  a  surprise,  and  she 
replied, 

"  Truly,  my  dear  sir,  I  was  not  aware  that  I  did 
such  a  thing ;  and  if  I  do  make  gestures,  I  am 
never  conscious  of  it.  I  only  know  that  in  this 
work  I  am  very  anxious  to  lead  souls  to  the 
Savior.  Whatever  I  do,  I  try  to  do  it  heartily, 
for  the  Master's  sake.  I  nev^er  received  any  les- 
sons from  a  teacher,  practiced  before  a  mirror,  or 
heard  the  subject  mentioned  before." 

The  Colonel  was  completely  in  mal  entendre, 
tacknd  about,  and  struck  up  a  conversation  on 
another  subject.  This  entire  family  ever  re- 
mained among  her  warmest  friends. 

During  the  progress  of  the  meeting  a  lady 
kneeled  at  the  altar  several  evenings  in  succes- 
sion, and,  to  all  appearance,  in  deep  distress. 

"  How  is  it,  dear  one,  that  you  are  not  blest  ?" 
asked  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  as  she  knelt  beside  her. 


174        ^f^^-  ^^AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  O  I  do  n't  know,"  she  answered,  sobbing 
bitterly. 

"You  are  conscious  that  the  fault  is  in  yourself, 
are  you  not  ?" 

"  Yes,"  with  a  long-drawn  sigh. 

"Well,  now,  answer  me  a  few  questions.  Are 
you  willing  to  be  saved .''" 

"  O  yes." 

"  Do  you  feel  willing  to  pay  the  price  for  th^, 
sake  of  the  love  of  Christ  in  your  soul  1  You 
know  it  requires  you  to  sell  all  for  Jesus.  Are 
you  willing  to  forsake  sin,  and,  watching  unto 
prayer,  fight  daily  against  your  worst  enemy — 
your  own  heart  ?" 

"  I  am  willing  to  do  any  thing,  if  I  may  only 
see  Jesus  and  taste  his  love." 

"Are  you  willing  to  give  up  your  property, 
if  God  requires  it .''" — knowing  that  she  was 
wealthy. 

"Yes,  all." 

"  Will  you  give  your  husband  ?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Your  children  T 

"  Yes." 

"  Do  you  believe  the  vSavior  is  able  to  save  you  ?* 

"  Mercy,  yes  r 

"  Do  you  believe  he  is  willing  ?^^ 

"  I  know  he  is." 


REVIVAL  incident:^.  175 

"Can  you  not  believe  that  he  saves  you  now^ 
through  faith  in  his  name  and  Word  ?" 

"  O  dea,r  me,  it  is  so,  so  dark !" 

There  was  evidently  something  in  the  way, 
and,  after  a  short  pause  and  a  prayer,  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  resumed, 

"  Tell  me,  darling,  are  you  at  peace  with  all 
your  neighbors  and  friends  ?" 

She  stopped  a  moment,  and  did  not  weep  or 
answer.  It  was  a  turning  point,  and  the  fact  had 
been  discovered.  A  text  just  suiting  the  case 
was  applied : 

"  If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and  there 
rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath  aught  against 
thee,  leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar,  and  go 
thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and 
then  come  and  offer  thy  gift." 

"  You  may  as  well  give  it  up.  So  long  as  bitter- 
ness is  in  your  heart  you  can  never  enter  the 
kingdom  of  glory." 

"Well,"  she  exclaimed,  "I  did  not  give  the  in- 
sult, and  would  you  have  me  go  and  ask  pardon  V' 

"  Yes,  I  would  have  you  '  do  any  thing,'  rather 
than  miss  of  heaven." 

"  Well,  I  can  't  do  it !  I  can  not  stoop  so  low  ; 
she  would  laugh  at  me,  and  think  me  a  fool." 

"Now,  dear  one,  tell  me,  in  brief,  all  about  it, 
and  see  if  I  can  't  help  you.    God  bless  you,  child  I" 


1/6        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  cv FT. 

"  Well,  my  sister-in-law,  more  than  a  year  ago, 
insulted  me,  and  I  told  her  I  would  never  speak 
to  her  again  as  long  as  I  lived.  If  she  should 
ever  ask  me  to  forgive  her,  why,  now,  of  course, 
I  'd  do  it." 

"  But,  now,  tell  me,  do  you  really  feel  in  your 
soul  that  you  want  to  be  a  Christian  ?" 

Looking  up,  very  much  astonished,  she  an- 
swered, "  What  do  you  think  I  mean  by  coming 
to  this  altar  and  kneeling  by  the  hour  praying 
if  I  do  n't  want  religion  ?" 

'  Let  me  ask  you  one  more  question.  Do  you 
want  religion  in  God's  way?" 

"  Yes,  of  course  I  do." 

"Amen !  then  seek  it  thus :  Arise,  go  to  your 
home,  and  be  reconciled  to  your  sister-in-law; 
then  come,  and  Christ  will  receive  you." 

"  Would  you  have  me  make  myself  so  mean  as 
to  cringe  to  an  enemy.?" 

"  I  would  have  you  '  do  any  thing '  to  get  out 
of  the  pit  of  sin." 

"  I  can  never  do  it,"  arising  from  the  altar. 

•*  Listen  a  moment,  then,  to  me.  Do  n't  you 
ever  come  to  this  altar  again  while  you  live.  It 
will  be  insulting  God,  and  already  your  sin  has 
insulted  him  long  enough." 

"I  mean  to  come  until  I  am  blessed." 

"You  may  come  in  this  way  until  the  day  of 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS.  1 77 

judgment,  and  you  never  will  be  blessed.  Christ 
can  not,  will  not,  come  and  take  up  his  abode  in 
a  heart  filled  with  hate.  It  is  sin,  and  he  and 
sin  can  not  abide  in  the  same  heart.  Now,  never 
attempt  to  bow  here  again  until  reconciled  to 
your  sister-in-law  and  every  body  else." 

"  I  shall  come  to-morrow  night." 

"  If  you  attempt  to  come  as  you  are  now,  as 
the  Lord  liveth,  I  will  tell  the  entire  congre- 
gation ;  because  some  will  look  at  you,  as  you 
continue  to  come  night  after  night  and  are  not 
blessed,  and  will  fear  that  theirs  will  be  the  same 
fate,  and  will  not  venture  to  come  at  all." 

"  Would  you  do  such  a  thing  T  sobbing  again. 

"  Yes,  I  would." 

As  she  left  the  altar  she  whispered,  "  Pray 
for  me." 

All  the  way  home  she  had  a  struggle  with  the 
adversary,  who  constantly  suggested,  "  This  is 
not  required  of  you.  The  woman  goes  too  far. 
God  do  n't  ask  of  you  to  compromise  your  dig- 
nity  and    stoop    to    your   hateful    sister-in-law." 

"  But  I  must  have  religion  ;  I  must  feel  the 
love  of  God  ;   I  must  get  to  heaven." 

Reaching  home,  feeling  most  miserable  in 
heart,  she  sat  down  by  the  fire,  thinking  deeply 
what  to  do.  "That  advice  of  the  dear  sister 
is    certainly   good,    when    she    told    me    to    ask 


178        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

forgiveness  for  all  the  past.  And  then  I  said 
I  'would  do  any  thing.'  Can  I  go  upstairs  and 
tell  her  I  want  to  be  folded  to  the  Savior's 
breast,  and  can  not  unless  reconciled,  and  ask 
her  forgiveness  V 

She  arose  and  started  for  her  room,  and,  being 
obliged  to  pass  her  sister-in-law's  door,  at  first 
she  felt,  "  I  'd  rather  die  than  bend  to  her." 
Then  came  the  thought  of  peace,  joy,  Christ, 
and  heaven.  A  light  was  burning.  As  she 
neared  the  door  footsteps  were  heard,  and  she 
knew  that  it  was  as  favorable  a  time  as  she  would 
ever  have.  A  tap  at  the  door  was  promptly  an- 
swered by  "  come,"  and  before  the  tempter  had 
time  to  reason  with  her  she  stood  before  her 
weeping  sister-in-law.  Only  a  breath  passed, 
and  she  cried, 

"  Eliza,  I  want  to  be  a  Christian,  and  sister 
Van  Cott  said  that  Jesus  would  not  accept  me 
while  there  was  enmity  in  my  heart.  Can't  we 
be  friends,  so  that  I  may  feel  the  joy  of  pardon  .^" 

Before  the  words  were  fairly  uttered  her  sister 
answered, 

"  O,  how  I  wanted  to  go  to  that  altar  to-night ; 
but  you  were  there,  and  I  knew  you  hated  me, 
and  I  hated  you,  and  I  did  not  dare  to  go.  I 
was  afraid  God  would  kill  me.  Forgive  you  ? 
No,  no ;  't  is  mine  to  ask  your  forgiveness." 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS.  1 79 

Together  they  kneeled  in  prayer,  and  before 
they  slept  that  night  the  work  of  grace  bad  com- 
menced in  their  hearts.  As  they  bowed  at  tbe 
altar  next  evening  the  smile  of  God  rested  upon 
lliem,  praises  dwelt  upon  their  lips,  and  joy  filled 
their  souls.  The  leader  of  the  meeting  had  no 
further  occasion  for  rebuke,  but  could  join  heartily 
in  praises  to  God  with  both  of  the  new  converts. 

One  day  an  invitation  came  for  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
to  visit  an  aged  man  who  was  very  sick.  He 
had  never  made  a  profession  of  religion,  and 
desired  very  much  to  hear  her  speak.  The 
neighbors,  at  his  request,  came  and  filled  the 
house,  and  when  she  arrived  he  explained  thus : 
"I  have  invited  my  neighbors  to  come  and  hear 
you  preach,  for  I  want  to  hear  you,  but  I  can  not 
go  to  the  church." 

These  words  were  uttered  with  great  difficulty, 
his  bleeding  lungs  being  so  very  weak.  The 
notice  took  her  very  much  by  surprise,  but,  has- 
tening to  a  quiet  room,  the  great  Giver  was  asked 
for  a  subject.  None  appeared  more  appropriate 
than  the  twenty-third  Psalm,  "  The  Lord  is  my 
Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want,"  etc. 

At  two,  P.  M.,  she  stood  where  all  could  hear, 
and  where  he  could  both  hear  and  see.  AH  the 
time  she  was  speaking  his  burning  black  eyes 
rested  upon  her,  and  when  the  last  sentence  was 


l30         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEW  TON  VAN"  COTT. 

spoken  he  cried  out,  "Lord,  be  thou  my  Shep- 
herd, so  that  I  may  fear  no  evil." 

A  few  more  words  of  comfort  were  spoken, 
and  she  left  with  a  promise  to  return  soon  again, 
if  possible.  But,  before  the  desired  hour  arrived, 
God  had  sent  first  the  spirit  of  peace,  then  the 
angel  of  death.  The  message  sent  to  her  was 
as  follows  : 

"  Tell  Mrs.  Van  Cott  it  is  my  dying  request 
that  she  should  preach  my  funeral  sermon. 
Do  n't  let  any  one  else  do  it.  O,  if  I  could  only 
see  her  and  hear  her  voice  once  more !  But  tell 
her  that  Jesus  is  with  me  through  the  valley,  and 
that  I  will  *  sing  her  welcome  home.' " 

The  morning  after  his  death  the  request  came, 
but,  never  having  conducted  a  funeral  service, 
she  sent  the  message  to  the  minister,  saying  she 
could  not  do  such  a  thing.  He  replied,  "  Trust 
in  God,  and  he  will  help  you." 

The  sad  hour  came,  and  the  gathering  at  the 
house  was  large,  so  many  kindred  and  friends 
desiring  to  show  respect  for  the  dead.  She  led 
the  mourners  one  by  one  to  the  coffin,  and  there 
they  promised  faithfully  to  seek  the  Lord  and 
meet  the  loved  one  in  heaven. 

It  was  some  three  miles  to  the  church,  and 
they  requested  her  driver  to  lead  the  long  pro- 
cession of  vehicles.     The  scenes  through  which 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS.  l8l 

she  had  passed  only  two  years  before  came  up 
vividly  in  her  mind,  and  the  sympathy  for  the 
widow,  and  the  thought  of  walking  before  the 
corpse  in  the  aisle  of  the  church,  was  too  much 
for  her,  and  on  nearing  the  parsonage  she  flew 
in  and  begged  the  pastor  to  relieve  her  of  this 
ordeal. 

As  the  services  were  about  to  open  she  glanced 
at  the  stricken  widow,  and  her  heart  melted. 
The  church,  the  casket,  the  mourners,  all  re- 
minded her  so  strongly  of  her  own  past  trials  that 
it  was  almost  impossible  to  proceed.  Thrice 
during  the  discourse  she  was  choked  with  emo- 
tion, and  had  to  stop  speaking. 

Little  could  be  said  of  the  Christian  life  of  the 
departed  ;  he  was  saved  at  the  eleventh  hour,  and 
was  as  a  brand  plucked  from  the  burning;  but 
God  was  in  the  words  of  warning  that  day,  and, 
though  ministers  often  question  the  propriety  of 
funeral  sermons,  and  wonder  that  so  little  fruit  is 
gathered  from  these  efforts,  yet  nearly  all  of  that 
large  family  kept  their  vows,  and  sought  the 
Lord. 

Five  wrecks  had  now  passed,  and  she  thought 
duty  called  her  home  again  to  her  business.  Still 
the  great  revival  flame  burned  brightly,  and  was 
the  general  theme  of  conversation.  Groups  of 
business    men,    here    and    there,    discussed    the 


1 82         M7^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

interesting  features  of  the  meetings,  and  desired 
the  efforts  continued. 

A  landlady  of  one  of  the  hotels  sent  her  an  in- 
vitation to  supper,  but  several  of  the  good  sisters 
declared  that  the  place  had  a  bad  name,  and  that, 
on  the  whole,  she  had  better  not  go.  Trusting 
in  God  for  the  result,  she  went,  and  as  tea  time 
drew  near,  the  boarders,  and  a  few  others  who  had 
been  invited,  came  into  the  sitting-room.  The 
revival  was,  of  course,  the  theme  of  conversation, 
and  soon  the  interest  in  religious  affairs  waxed 
warm,  and  as  the  time  of  their  little  visit  was 
necessarily  short,  a  season  of  prayer  was  pro- 
posed. 

They  all  bowed  before  the  Lord,  when  soon 
the  spirit  of  earnest  supplication  rested  upon 
her  spirit  for  the  man  kneeling  beside  her.  She 
passed  around  the  room,  and  prayed  for  each  one 
in  turn,  after  which  they  arose  and  were  seated. 
A  kind  of  "speaking-meeting"  followed,  and  each 
was  asked  concerning  his  purposes ;  and,  amid 
tears  and  deep  emotion,  those  hardened  men 
promised  to  seek  the  Savior. 

One  old  gentleman,  who  had  been  a  horse 
jockey,  arose,  after  giving  a  promise  to  pray,  and 
left  the  room.,   A  fellow-comrade  asked, 

"  Why  do  n't  you  stay  in  the  room  T' 

"  I  do  n't  want  to  stay,"  he  grunted  out,  "  the 


REVIVAL  INCIDENTS. 


183 


devilish  woman  will   make  you   answer   whether 
you  want  to  or  not." 

Several  of  these  men  had  been  open  and 
avowed  infidels,  but  nearly  all  were  finally  con- 
verted, and  became  earnest  Christians. 


CHAPTER  XL 
(UVmG  UP  BUSINESS— WHOLLY  IN  THE  WORK. 


lEV.  A.  C.  MOREHOUSE,  and  Rev. 
W.  O.  V.  Brainard,  then  on  the  list  of 
superannuated  ministers,  thought  that, 
as  God  had  so  wonderfully  blest  Mrs.  Van  Cott  in 
her  Christian  work,  it  was  her  duty  to  devote 
her  whole  time  to  the  Church.  It  was  an  impor- 
tant step,  and  required  close  searching  of  heart, 
and  the  best  of  counsel.  Many  seasons  of  prayer 
were  held  in  the  parsonage,  asking  direction  from 
on  high,  before  a  decision  was  reached.  How  to 
support  herself  and  daughter  rested  heavily  on 
her  mind  for  a  long  time,  but  as  repeated  invita- 
tions were  constantly  coming  in,  she  finally 
trusted  the  whole  care  and  burden  to  Him  who 
caieth  for  us. 

About  the  first  of  June,  1868,  she  settled  up  her 
business  in  the  city,  and  gave  herself  fully  to  the 
work  of  leading  souls  to  Christ. 
184 


WHOLLY  IN  THE  WORK.  1 85 

On  the  evening  of  her  arrival  in  New  York  she 
received,  through  the  mail,  the  following  testi- 
monials : 

"  Qto  EII  SEtom  it  iHa2  Conmn. 

"  Whereas^  the  bearer,  Mrs/Maggie  N.  Van  Cott,  of  the 
Duane  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  New  York  city,  w 
about  to  leave  this  place,  where,  during  the  past  six  weeksj 
God  has  honored  her  labors  in  the  evident  conversion  ot 
some  eighty  souls,  and  the  awakening  of  many  others,  who 
are  seeking  salvation,  she  evincing  more  than  ordinary 
adaptedness  to  revival  work,  a  self-Siicrificing  devotion  to 
the  cause  of  Christ,  a  deep  and  constant  piety,  the  posses- 
sion of  excellent  natural  abilities,  a  divine  anointing  from 
on  high,  and  an  abiding  sense  of  obligation  to  prosecute 
the  work  of  the  Master  ;  and 

"  Whereas,  a  similar  work,  conducted  by  her  for  about 
the  same  length  of  time,  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  some 
seventy  souls  in  an  adjoining  town,  just  previous  to  her 
labors  here  ;  and 

*'  Whereas,  the  converts  embrace  men  of  mind,  strong 
character  and  influence,  giving  promise  on  her  part  of  wide 
usefulness  ;  and  such  conversions  are  clear  and  undoubted, 
showing  that  God  is  in  the  work ;  and 

"  Whereas,  we  are  convinced  that  God  has  called  her  to 
the  work  of  an  evangelist  in  his  Church;  we,  therefore, 
heartily,  and  prayerfully,  recommend  her  to,  and  bespeak 
for  her  a  cordial  welcome,  and  the  unhesitating  and  earnest 
co-operation  of  the  Churches  wherever  she  may  choose  to 
labor,  believing  th:it  God  will  make  her  very  useful  in 
building  up  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom. 

"Done  at  Windham  Center,  Pratlsville  district,  New 
York  Conference,  this  25th  day  of  May,  1868. 

Rev.  A.  C.  Morehouse,  Preacher  in  Charge. 
Rev.  Wm.  O.  V.  Brainard,  Superan' d  Preacher,^^ 


1 86        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  following  was  addressed  to  the  Church 
officials,  with  whom  the  under-shepherds  labor : 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  as  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and 
members  oi  Churches  of  different  denominations,  desire, 
if  i;  meets  with  your  approval,  that  the  bearer,  Mrs.  Mag- 
gie N.  Van  Cott,  a  lady  known  to  us  as  a  true-hearted, 
zealous  worker  in  the  vineyard  of  our  Lord,  having  labored 
very  successfully  with  us  for  the  past  two  months,  be  ap- 
pointed by  you  to  continue  her  labors  here,  as  we  believe 
that  there  is  yet  a  work  that  no  one  else  can  do  ;  and  we 
believe  that  many  more,  through  her  instrumentahty,  will 
be  added  to  the  Church,  of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

Rev.  A.  J.  Wright,  Methodist,  South  Diirhafn,  N.  Y. 
S.  B.  GoFF,  Methodist^  South  Durham,  Greene  co.,  N.  Y, 
E.  Newcomb,       "  "  "  "       "      " 

E.  Beach,  Presbyterian,  "  "  "       "       " 

Rev.  John  Battersby,  Methodist,  Cor-nellsville,  N.  Y. 
Rev.  A.  Coles,  Baptist,  East  Durham,  N.  Y 
Rev.  S.  Paddock,  Baptist,  East  Durham,  M  K" 

The  following  testimonials  were  also  given 
about  the  same  time : 

"We,  the  undereigned,  having,  through  the  blessing  of 
Almight)'  God,  been  brought  from  Nature's  darkness  into 
His  marvelous  light,  through  the  instrumentality  of  a  series 
of  meetings  held  at  the  Hervey-Street  Baptist  Church,  in 
Durham,  Greene  county,  New  York,  under  the  entire  super- 
vision of  the  bearer,  Mrs.  Maggie  N.  Van  Cott,  who  was 
led  into  our  midst  by  the  providenee  of  God,  where  she  has 
been  laboring  with  much  zeal  and  energy,  night  and  day, 
for  six  weeks ;  and,  whereas,  God  has  given  her  as  a  seal 
to  her  ministry,  sixty  or  seventy  souls  to  rejoice  in  his  love, 
besides  many  backsliders  have  been  reclaimed,  and  the 
hearts  of  all  rekindled: 


WHOLLY  ny  THE   WORK.  1 87 

"Therefore,  we  hereby  desire,  if  it  meets  with  the  appto- 
bation  of  the  Board,  that  she  be  appointed  as  our  spiritual 
guide  in  this  part  of  our  Father's  moral  vineyard,  as  there 
are  eight  or  ten  villages  and  churches  of  difierent  denonj- 
inations  now  anxiously  awaiting  her  coming. 

"Will  you  grant  the  request  made  by  us,  her  spiritual 
children,  who  rise  up  to  call  her  blessed  ?  God  grant  yor 
may,  and  he  will  bless  you  and  us,  for  we  believe  that  manj 
more  precious  souls,  now  traveling  the  downward  road  to 
destruction,  will  be  brought  home  in  victorious  triumph." 
Signed  bv  Twenty-two  Names. 

The  next  field  of  labors  was  at  Cairo,  Greene 
county,  New  York.  The  pastor  of  the  Church 
was  a  man  of  learning  and  ability,  but  opposed  to 
special  revival  eflbrts.  However,  as  his  flock  de- 
sired, he  concurred  in  sending  for  Mrs.  Van  Cott — 
she  not  being  aware  of  his  views  until  several  days 
had  passed,  when  he  took  occasion  to  say, 

"  I  have  no  objection  to  any  one  breaking  up 
the  fallow  ground  ;  then  I  can  cultivate  the  finer 
graces." 

"  So  you  would  be  willing,"  she  answered,  "  to 
have  the  roses  planted,  that  you  might  smell  the 
perfume." 

This  little  episode  occurred  in  the  church,  just 
at  the  close  of  one  of  the  meetings. 

The  first  services  were  truly  embarrassing— 
the  Church  cold,  criticism  rife,  and  no  one  ready 
to  respond  in  the  revival  work.  At  the  first  in- 
vitation  not  one  of  the  brethren  came  into  the 


1 88        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

altar,   and   no  one  would   lead    in   prayer.     She 
cried, 

"Are  there  no  praying  men  in  this  house  ?  If 
not,  in  the  name  of  God,  is  there  a  praying 
woman  ?     If  so,  as  we  bow,  let  some  sister  pray," 

After  a  little  waiting,  a  sweet  voice  was  heard 
in  the  center  of  the  house,  full  of  earnestness  and 
tender  pleadings  with  God  for  an  awakening  in 
the  Church.  As  soon  as  the  dear  one  ceased 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  broke  out  in  fervent  prayer,  asking 
God,  if  the  official  board,  class-leaders,  superin- 
tendents, and  Sabbath-school  teachers,  were  un- 
converted people,  to  commence  that  moment 
moving  upon  their  hearts.  The  next  evening, 
when  called  to  the  altar,  the  precious  ones  were 
ready  and  willing  to  pray,  or  point  souls  to  Jesus. 
The  revival  began  almost  immediately — the  mem- 
bers taking  hold  of  the  promises  of  God  nobly — 
and  the  altar  was  soon  filled  with  penitents.  The 
pastor  still  refused  to  take  an  active  part  in  the 
meeting,  but  sat  back  in  one  corner  with  as  much 
nonchalance  as  possible.  When  many  sad  and 
sorrowful  ones  were  crying  to  God  for  clean  hearts, 
and  needing  the  comforting  words  of  the  Script- 
cre,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  called  to  him, 

"  Brother,  in  the  name  of  God,  do  help  these 
mourners." 

"  I  was  asleep,"  he  replied,  "  till  the  brother  in 


WHOLL  V  IN  THE  WORK.  1 89 

the  back  of  the  house  spoke,  and  I  heartily  con- 
cur in  what  he  said.  It  is  now  past  10  o'clock, 
and  it  is  not  best  to  hold  meetings  so  late.  But 
I  find  revivalists  are  apt  to  be  extremists  ;  and  I 
feel  I  shall  be  obliged  to  ask  our  sister  to  close 
the  meeting  while  I  am  here  at  half-past  nine." 

'  Amen,  brother,"  she  replied.  "  It  shall  be 
done,  so  far  as  the  meetings  in  the  cJnirch  are  con- 
cerned." 

But  knowing  the  condition  of  many  before  her, 
some  of  whom  were  in  an  agony  of  soul,  and  felt 
they  must  find  relief  in  Jesus  that  night,  she 
called  to  the  congregation, 

"After  the  benediction,  all  who  desire  may 
repair  to  the  house  of  sister  Dennison,  just  across 
the  street,  where  we  will  continue  the  prayer- 
meeting  a  little  longer." 

The  house  was  crowded,  and  several  of  the 
mourners  found  that  comfort  of  soul  for  which 
they  prayed.  The  dominie  pastor  spent  the  "  wee 
sma'  hours"  with  his  lady-love  in  the  adjoining 
block. 

During  the  nine  weeks  of  this  elfifort  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  souls  professed  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  Many  pleasing  incidents  occurred 
during  these  meetings  worthy  of  a  permanent 
record.  A  large  number  of  young  ladies  seemed 
deeply  moved  by  the  Divine  Spirit,  but  refused  to 


IQO         MRS.  MAGGTE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

come  out  fully  on  the  Lord's  side.  These  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  invited  to  her  house  one  afternoon,  and, 
promptly  at  the  hour,  some  twenty  came.  She 
sang,  prayed,  and  talked  with  them  till  all  were 
melted  to  tears ;  then  urged  each  one  to  tell  what 
she  thought  of  Jesus  and  salvation.  They  all 
promised  to  pray  for  a  clean  heart,  and,  when  the 
meeting  closed,  it  was  pronounced  a  precious 
season.  That  night  an  unusual  work  of  grace 
attended  the  efforts  in  the  church,  and  many 
were  converted.  On  the  way  to  the  prayer-meet 
ing  across  the  way  one  of  the  seekers  asked, 

"  Please,  sister  Van  Cott,  can  't  you  arrange  so 
that  the  young  men  seeking  Jesus  can  have  a 
meeting  alone  with  you }  Sister  said  they  had  a 
glorious  time  this  afternoon." 

"  Dear  child,  you  are  all  at  v/ork  during  the 
day,  and  every  evening  is  taken  up,  save  Satur- 
day evening." 

"Well,  won't  you  let  us  have  a  meeting,  then, 
on  Saturday  evening .?" 

-Several  more  joined  in  this  request,  and  she,  de- 
siring to  do  all  the  good  possible,  finally  answered, 

"Yes,  I  will  announce  it  to-morrow  night." 

Accordingly,  the  next  evening  the  announce- 
ment was  made.  The  ladies  were  to  meet  on 
Wednesdays,  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  gentlemen 
on  Saturday  evenings. 


WHOLLY  LN  THE  WORK.  I9I 

A  good  old  lady  came  close  to  the  altar  at  the 
close  of  the  meeting,  and,  looking  over  her  spec- 
tacles, asked, 

"  Do  n't  you  think  I  had  better  come  to  the 
meeting  to-morrow  night  ?" 

Not  understanding  her  inquiry,- Mrs.  Van  Coa 
lepeated  the  notice, 

"  I  will  see  all  the  ladies  on  Wednesdays,  in 
the  afternoon,  at  my  home,  and  the  gentlemen 
here  in  the  church  on  Saturday  evenings.  But 
why  do  you  ask  .<*" 

"  Well,  do  n't  you  know  you  are  a  woman,  and 
how  will  it  sound  for  you  to  meet  so  many  men  ?" 

"  T  do  n't  care  for  sounds,  but  I  do  care  for 
souls.  No,  dear  one,  many  thanks,  but  as  an- 
nounced, so  I  must  do,  and  will  leave  the  case 
with  God.  You  pray  for  me,  and  if  you  choose 
you  can  look  in  at  the  windows.  Good-night ; 
I  must  hasten  to  the  meeting  now  awaiting  my 
coming." 

The  next  evening  about  forty  young  and  mid- 
dle-aged men  gathered  in  the  church,  and  while 
she  showed  "  the  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard," 
but  the  way  of  salvation  glorious,  many  broke 
down  and  began  to  cry  for  mercy.  They  crowded 
around  the  altar,  and  the  Spirit  of  God  touched 
them  as  with  living  fire,  and  many  were  made 
joyous  through  faith  in  Christ.     Those  present 


192         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

pronounced  this  meeting  the  best  of  the  series. 
As  she  passed  through  the  door  a  gentleman  said^ 

"  Sister  Van  Cott,  I  do  n't  know  but  you  are  a 
httle  selfish  and  mean  !" 

•'  Pray  tell  me  why,"  she  answered. 

•''  Well,  here  stands  a  score  of  us  old  professors, 
liteially  dead  as  to  spirituality.  As  you  have  had 
such  a  glorious  time  to-night,  you  might  let  us 
come  next  time,  even  if  we  come  as  seekers." 

She  was  not  a  little  amused  at  this,  and,  look- 
ing around,  saw  a  great  company,  and  among  the 
number  the  dear  old  lady,  who  had  been  looking 
through  the  windows,  watching  the  proceedings 
within. 

The  next  day  there  were  glowing  accounts 
concerning  the  "  men's  meeting,"  and  those  who 
were  present  declared  it  was  glorious.  Many 
a  young  man  who  was  hindered  from  seeking 
Christ  because  of  some  mischievous  girl,  could 
arise  and  break  the  bands  of  Satan  at  the  Satur- 
day evening  meetings,  where  none  but  men  were 
in  the  audience.  The  next  invitation  was  more 
general,  and  all  the  men  "who  desired  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come  and  to  be  saved  from 
their  sins,"  and  who  were  living  within  twenty 
miles  of  the  church,  were  invited.  The  result 
was  a  large  number  sought  the  Savior  and  were 
made  happy  in  his  love. 


aa 


,(^^5) 


CHAPTER  XTI. 


NEW   DIFFICULTIES. 


INE  weeks  of  hard  toil  were  passed 
at  Cairo,  New  York.  One  person  had 
ii  styled  the  place  the  "  devil's  half-acre," 
but  it  soon  changed  into  a  little  paradise  of  songs 
and  praises. 

About  this  time  a  strong  invitation  was  given 
for  her  to  hold  a  grove-meeting  near  Cornells- 
ville,  on  the  premises  of  Abijah  Ransom.  She 
accepted  the  invitation,  and  the  news  spread  far 
and  wide.  Sabbath  came,  and  a  congregation 
estimated  at  two  thousand  people  assembled. 
The  best  of  order  prevailed,  and  the  meeting 
gave  great  satisfaction.  During  the  following 
week  Mr.  Ransom  called  on  her,  desiring  a 
grove-meeting  to  be  held  in  the  same  place, 
"lasting  one  whole  week." 

A  question   arose  concerning   her  legal    right 

to   hold    such    meetings,  and   while    the    subject 

193 


194         ^^^^'^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  CCfTT. 

was    under   consideration    a   "legal    gentleman* 
presented  her  the  following  documents  : 

''^tatje  o£  Ncix  fork: 

Revised  Statutes,  Part  I,  Chap.  IV. 

"  Sec.  9.  The  free  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  religious 
piofession  and  worship,  without  ch'scrimination  or  prefer- 
ence, is  forever  to  be  allowed  in  this  State  to  all  mankind  ; 
but  the  liberty  of  conscience  so  secured  is  not  to  be  sc 
construed  as  to  excuse  acts  of  licentiousness,  or  to  justify 
practices  inconsistent  with  the  peace  or  safety  of  this  State. 

"  Sec.  21.  Every  citizen  may  freely  speak,  write,  and  pub- 
lish his  sentiments  on  all  subjects,  being  responsible  for  the 
abuse  of  that  right ;  and  no  law  can  be  passed  to  restrain 
or  abridge  the  liberty  of  such  speech  or  of  the  press." 

In  a  short  time  the  following  was  also  received : 

"  7o  the  Presiding  Elder  and  Ministvrs  in  Charge: 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  petitioners,  residents  of  the  town 
of  Durham,  Greene  county,  New  York,  respectfully  pray 
that  Mrs.  Maggie  N.  Van  Cott  be  permitted  to  holr.1  grove- 
meetings  on  the  farm  of  Abijah  Ransom,  in  Durham,  at 
any  time  she  may  deem  proper.  Your  petitioners  sincerely 
believe  that  she  is  a  sincere  Christian  ;  that  she  is  doing  a 
good  work  in  the  cause  of  Christ ;  that  she  has  been  the 
instrument  in  the  hopeful  conversion  of  many  souls  who 
perhaps  would  never  have  been  saved  were  it  not  for  her 
ministrations  in  our  midst. 

"Your  petitioners  would  further  say  that  they  have  beeo 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Abijah  Ransom  for  a  number  of  years, 
who  !S  the  owner  and  occupant  of  the  lands  where  the  meet- 
ings are  proposed  to  be  held.  We  know  him  to  be  an  hon- 
est,  candid,  upright,  and  reliable  man,  one  who  is  friendly 
to  the  cause  of  religion,  and  particularly  friendly  to  th« 


NEW  DIFFICULTIES.  195 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  that  he  will  use  his  best 
endeavors  to  have  the  meetings  conducted  in  good  order. 

"And  your  petitioners  promise  to  lend  their  influence 
and  power  to  have  the  meetings  conducted  in  a  right, 
proper,  and  orderly  manner. 

"We  further  believe  that  these  meetings  will  result  n 
great  good,  and  be  the  means  of  saving  many  souls." 

Signed  by  Thirty-two  Members  of  the  Method- 
ist Church  and  Nineteen  Presbyterian  Brethren. 

Looking  over  these  documents  and  believing 
that  God  was  in  the  work,  she  consented  to  hold 
the  meetings,  and  accordingly  word  was  circu- 
lated and  notices  published  in  the  Catskill  and 
Windham  papers. 

The  meetings  were  still  progressing  at  the 
church,  and  during  the  opening  exercises,  one 
evening,  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district,  Rev. 
T.  Chadwick,  was  present  and  assisted.  While 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  was  making  the  announcements 
for  the  meetings  during  the  week,  she  also  gave 
out  "  the  grove-meeting,  to  commence  one  week 
from  the  following  Monday." 

Scarcely  bad  the  words  been  spoken  before  the 
elder  called  her  name  ;  looking  around  she  saw 
that  he  was  troubled,  when  he  remarked  : 

**  Please  recall  that,  because  you  can  not  con- 
trol a  grove-meeting,  and  you  can  not  have  the 
help  of  any  of  the  ministers,  as  they  v/ill  all  be  at 
the  camp- meeting,  and  we  had  rather  you  would 


1 96         MRS.  MA  G GIE  NE  W  TON  VAN  CO  TT. 

come  there.  And  besides  that,  it  will  take  some 
from  the  camp-meeting." 

"  O,  no,  that  can  not  be,"  she  replied  ;  "  the  two 
meetings,  though  to  be  held  at  the  same  time,  are 
twenty-six  miles  apart,  and  a  great  many  persons 
who  can  not  attend  the  camp-meeting  can  be  at 
the  grove-meeting." 

"  Well,"  said  he,  "  none  of  the  brethren  can 
help  you,  and  you  can  not  stand  it ;  you  had  bet- 
ter recall  the  announcement,  and  you  shall  help 
at  a  grove-meeting  after  the  camp-meeting  is 
over,  and  brother  Morehouse  will  arrange  for  it 
and  help  you." 

She  stood  in  the  presence  of  the  "commander- 
in-chief  of  the  district,"  and  then,  "  she  was  a 
woman,''  and  it  was  becoming  for  her  ''to  obey.'' 

In  deep  sorrow  she  recalled  the  notice,  and  felt 
that  if  any  souls  were  lost  on  the  account  of  neg- 
lect of  duty,  in  this  case,  blood  would  not  be 
found  on  her  hands. 

During  the  following  week  she  v/as  beset  on 
every  hand,  mostly  by  the  impenitent,  who  cried 
out  against  the  step  taken  by  the  elder. 

The  owner  of  the  land,  Mr.  Ransom,  came, 
and  with  him  several  gentlemen  as  witnesses,  and 
offered  her  one  hnndred  dollars  an  hotir  for  every 
hour  she  would  speak  on  the  ground  during  the 
week.     And    he    desired    she    shouM    "  preach " 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  TIES.  1 97 

three  times  a  day ;  and  as  her  usual  time  of  speak- 
ing was  about  an  hour  and  a  quarter,  she  might 
have  netted  over  ^2,800,  by  holding  meetings 
eight  days.  The  wealthy  gentleman  offered  to 
secure  the  amount  to  her  then  and  there,  by  writ- 
ten engagement,  properly  attested.  But  no,  the 
notice  had  been  recalled,  and  the  elder  was  as- 
sured that  the  meeting  would  not  be  held  during 
that  week. 

The  blow  was  a  heavy  one,  for  financially  she 
was  seriously  embarrassed.  The  business  in 
New  York  had  been  nesflected,  drug^s  held  on 
hand  had  declined  in  value,  and  several  hundred 
dollars  would  not  pay  off  her  present  debts. 
But,  believing  that  God  would  provide,  she  toiled 
on  faithfully  in  hope. 

She  was  invited  to  attend  a  Sunday-school  an- 
niversary at  Leeds,  and  the  crowd  being  great, 
the  meeting  was  held  out-of-doors,  and  her  pulpit 
a  large  wagon  box.  The  day  being  very  hot,  she 
suffered  unusual  fatigue,  and  yet  the  best  results 
were  seen  from  that  one  effort.  As  she  was 
descending  from  the  wagon,  assisted  by  the  pas- 
tor, he  said, 

"  Will  you  come  to  Leeds  and  help  us  V^ 
She  thought  a  moment  and  said,  "  I  will." 
"  At  that  time,"  he  remarked,  "  I  will  pay  you 
for  this  hour  of  pleasure  and  great  profit  to  us. 


198        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

You  truly  have  a  great  tact  with  children,  as  well 
as  older  people,  in  keeping  their  attention." 

She  returned  to  the  evening  appointment,  some 
eight  miles  away,  and  closed  the  week's  labors 
full  of  joyful  remembrances  of  the  past. 

The  next  Sabbath  she  went  to  Leeds,  accord- 
ing  to  promise,  commenced  the  v^rork  with  hearty 
zeal,  speaking,  holding  prayer-meetings,  and  vis- 
iting from  house  to  house.  At  the  expiration  of 
six  weeks'  efficient  labors,  among  a  class  of  peo- 
ple possessing  abundance  of  this  world's  goods, 
they  made  her  the  magnificent  present  of  the 
sum  of  forty  dollars  and  ten  cents.  During  this 
time  her  daughter's  board  had  to  be  paid,  and 
when  this  bill  was  settled,  there  remained  of  her 
six  weeks'  earnings,  ten  cents. 

This  was  not  the  first  time  she  had  been  desti- 
tute of  means,  since  commencing  this  work  for 
the  Master. 

On  one  occasion,  during  a  visit  to  New  York, 
she  paid  all  she  could  on  the  pressing  demands, 
reserving  about  enough  to  reach  her  next  appoint- 
ment. At  the  hour  of  starting  her  daughter  re- 
membered the  arrearages  due  the  washerwoman, 
a  poor,  hard-working,  faithful  soul,  who  was  very 
needy.  She  was  paid,  and  the  mother  and  daugh- 
ter took  a  steam-boat  for  the  nearest  port  of  their 
destination.     The   fare  and  supper  tickets  would 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  TIES.  I99 

amount  to  more  money  than  she  expected,  but 
they  proceeded,  and  "  went  and  told  Jesus." 

Morning  came;  they  could  not  take  breakfast 
It  the  hotel,  and  pay  for  the  livery  horse  and 
buggy,  engaged  to  take  them  to  the  place  of 
meeting.  They  had  twenty-five  cents  left,  and 
with  a  cheerful,  ringing  voice  she  said,  "  Come, 
daughter,  let  us  get  some  crackers  and  cheese  to 
eat  on  the  road,"  Twenty-six  weary  miles  lay 
before  them,  and  they  had  scarcely  started  before 
a  pelting  rain  and  hail  storm  set  in.  The  child 
was  carefully  protected,  and  the  mother  drove  on, 
holding  the  umbrella  and  singing  merrily  to  keep 
her  courage  up.  By  and  by  they  began  to  feel 
hungry,  and  the  rain  not  ceasing,  she  said:  "I 
think,  darling,  we  will  take  some  breakfast  now  ;" 
and  on  reaching  for  the  package,  behold  the 
crackers  had  been  left  at  the  hotel,  and  they  had 
nothing  but  a  piece  of  cheese.  This  they  feared 
to  eat  on  empty  stomachs. 

It  was  a  severe  disappointment  and  caused  the 
mother's  heart  deep  sorrow.  The  child  was  hun- 
gry, they  were  penniless,  in  the  cold  rain,  away 
from  friends,  dependmg  alone  upon  the  God  of 
the  widow  and  fatherless.  But  she  must  rally 
from  the  sinking  sickness  already  falling  upon 
soul  and  body ;  when  she  cried : 

"  Now  that  is  a  jolly  joke,  do  n't  you  think  so? 


200        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

but  never  mind,  when  we  get  on  the  top  of  the 
mountain,  I  know  the  proprietor  of  the  hotel,  and 
he  will  give  us  some  dinner  and  feed  the  horse. 
I  know  he  will  be  glad  to  see  us,  for  he  was  con- 
verted in  one  of  the  meetings." 

"  I  do  n't  care,  mamma,"  she  replied,  "  if  you 
don't ;  I  think  it  is  a  good  joke." 

They  plodded  on  wearily,  the  horse  flounder- 
ing in  the  horrid  mud,  which  was  growing  worse 
and  worse  every  hour.  They  sung  and  chatted, 
but  the  mother  felt  she  must  sink  under  the  ter- 
rible load  crushing  her  just  then.  Memories  of 
other  days  came  up;  and  of  means  expended, 
here  and  there  in  folly,  and  the  adversary  goaded 
her  troubled  mind  with,  "  Do  n't  you  wish  you 
had  it  now.?"  To  which  she  answered,  "The 
money  spent  in  folly,  yes  ;  but  that  given  to  the 
poor  and  needy,  no  ! 

"  *  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want.' " 

She  was  called  from  her  reverie  by  her  child : 
"  Mamma,  do  you  know  what  you  were  singing  .?" 
"  No,   darling ;  I   did   not  kjwzv  I  was  singing, 

1    was  thinking,  and    I   guess   I   have  a  text   to 

speak  from  to-night." 

"  I  am  glad  of  it,  so  you  will  be  a  little  more 

sociable.     I  do  wish  you  would  tell  me  about  the 

'  Mountain  House ;'  you  promised  you  would." 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  TIES.  20 1 

She  appeared  joyful  for  a  few  moments,  but  the 
sorrow  of  heart  would  not  go  away  at  one  mere 
bidding.     The  devil  again  suggested  : 

"  Now,  in  taking  up  this  work  you  have  brought 
your  child,  your  only  child,  to  want  and  poverty. 
Do  as  you  may,  the  fact  is  now  before  you." 

At  this  she  turned  her  longing  heart  heaven- 
ward, and  a  consoling  thought,  sweet  as  the  mes- 
sage of  an  angel,  came  to  her  relief :  "  The  earth 
is  the  Loi-d's  and  the  fullness  thereof." 

It  was  enough,  a  chord  of  sweet  praises  was 
struck,  and  the  cloud-nmntled  hills  echoed  to  the 
strains  of  sacred  song. 

While  rejoicing  thus,  a  strong  voice  calted, 
"  How  do  you  do }  You  can  't  go  any  further. 
I  guess  God  sent  you  to  us  to-day.  It  was  so 
stormy  and  chilly  we  could  not  work  out-doors, 
and  I  told  wife  I  'd  just  kill  that  last  turkey,  and 
we  'd  have  a  nice  time  alone.  I  reckon  God  put 
it  in  my  heart  for  your  sake." 

This  welcome  was  scarcely  over  before  she 
said,  "  O,  no  !  I  must  hasten  on.  I  speak  at  the 
Center  to-night.  Are  you  all  well }  Does  the 
love  of  Christ  dwell  richly  in  your  soul .?" 

"  Yes,  thank  God  !    But  you  can  't  go  a  step 

further  till  after  dinner,  anyhow ;"  and  taking  the 

horse  by  the  bridle,  led  him  up  to  the  gate  and 

heli>ed  them  out. 

i6 


202         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTOA    VAN  COTT. 

On  the  way  to  the  house  the  daughter  sug- 
gested, "  Mamma,  please,  for  my  sake,  do  n't  tel) 
that  we  have  had  no  breakfast.  I  should  almost 
die  with  shame." 

The  greetings  were  most  cordial,  and  in  that 
iozy  sitting-room  they  talked  of  victories,  trials, 
temptations,  and  new-born  souls  happy  in  the  love 
of  Christ. 

Soon  after,  dinner  was  announced  ;  the  well- 
spread  board  brought  back  the  memories  of  other 
days  when  she,  too,  gathered  her  company  around 
her  own  table,  before  death  had  scattered  them. 

Scarcely  was  the  blessing  over  before  she  broke 
completely  down,  and  then,  to  the  glory  of  God, 
told  her  story  of  the  bitterness  of  the  hours  just 
passed. 

Before  starting  they  kneeled  in  prayer,  and  the 
Master  was  very  precious  in  the  words  suggested : 

"  They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any 
more.  For  the  Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  throne,  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them 
unto  living  fountains  of  water :  and  God  shah  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes." 

They  then  left  their  warm-hearted  friends, 
drove  on  their  way  rejoicing,  reached  the  Center, 
and  received  another  cordial  welcome  from  the 
friends  expecting  their  arrival. 

From  Leeds  she  visited  Prattsville.     This  she 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  7/ES.  203 

found  to  be  a  hard  place.  During  two  weeks  of 
faithful  efforts,  but  a  very  few  seemed  willing  to 
seek  Jesus.  She  concluded  to  close  the  meetings, 
and  so  announced  for  the  next  evening.  But  to 
the  surprise  of  all,  the  work  broke  out,  and  scores 
bowed  at  the  altar  of  prayer. 

The  meetings  ran  for  seven  weeks  day  and 
night,  and  the  power  of  God  was  present  to  save. 

A  very  singular  incident  occurred  here.  A 
rich  old  gentleman  living  in  the  neighborhood, 
possessing  many  acres  of  picturesque  scenery, 
had  one  great  rocky  gorge  converted  into  a 
sort  of  picture-gallery.  The  profiles  of  favorite 
dogs,  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  and  even  members 
of  his  own  family,  living  and  dead,  were  chis- 
eled by  artists  on  the  rocks.  The  good  deeds 
of  himself  were  recorded  there  in  abundance,  for 
future  ages  to  admire,  or  laugh  at  his  folly.  One 
day,  while  dining  at  his  mansion,  he  addressed  her 
thus : 

"I  want  to  write  your  name  on  the  rocks." 

"  My  dear  sir,"  she  answered,  "  some  people 
would  undoubtedly  think  that  a  great  honor,  but 
while  it  would  be  very  kind  on  your  part,  still  I 
prefer  to  have  my  name  engraved  on  something 
more  enduring  than  rocks." 

With  surprise  he  asked,  "  I  'd  like  to  know 
where  you  '11  find  it." 


204        ^^^^'  ^^ AGGIE  NKWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  I  will  tell  you,  sir.  I  want  my  name  written 
on  the  palm  of  my  Redeemer's  hand ;  then,  when 
rocks  and  mountains  have  fled  away,  and  all 
^Inngs  earthly  have  melted  with  fervent  heat, 
tlun,  bless  God,  my  name  will  be  forever  there! 
Sir,  is  your  name  written  there  now  ?" 

"  O,  yes,  I  guess  so.  You  see  I  have  been 
preaching  to  this  people  for  forty  years." 

"  Indeed,  pray  tell  me  how  T 

"  Well,  only  the  other  day,  while  I  stood  on  the 
hotel  steps,  I  told  some  twenty  of  the  boys  who 
were  playing  in  the  street,  that  every  one  who 
could  repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer  without  a  mistake, 
should  have  a  dollar.  And,  madam,  how  many 
do  you  suppose  could  do  it  out  of  the  twenty .?" 

"  Probably  about  ten,"  she  answered. 

"  Ha,  ha ;  no,  only  one.  But  they  all  went  at 
it  in  good  earnest,  and  soon  learned  to  repeat  it 
word  for  word." 

"Well,  sir,  do  you  prepare  your  sermons  with 
prayer,  and  follow  them  by  your  example  T 

"  As  to  that,  I  suppose  you  would  not  think  my 
example  just  right,  but  still  I  've  got  along  these 
seventy-eight  years." 

"Will  your  religion  serve  you  in  the  dying 
hour .?" 

"  Die !  /  do  n't  expect  to  die !"  he  answered 
nth  emphasis. 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  TIES.  205 

"  Indeed !  I  thought  we  were  taught  in  the 
Word  of  God,  that  'death  had  passed  upon  all 
men,  for  that  all  have  sinned.'  If  this  be  true,  I 
tell  you,  sir,  you  must  die." 

"  But  I  expect  to  live  till  I  'm  a  hundred." 

"  And  what  then  .?" 

"  Well,  according  to  your  say,  I  must  die." 

"  And  what  then  .?" 

lie  looked  confused  and  annoyed,  while  she 
continued, 

"  Then  the  judgment.  And  what  then  t  To 
the  workers  of  iniquity,  that  fearful  word,  '  depart.* 
O,  sir,  how  can  you  endure  eternal  burning  .''  Pre- 
pare to  meet  thy  God." 

Troubled  in  heart  he  replied,  "  You  're  a  devilish 
good  woman.     You  '11  go  all  right." 

"  And  you,  sir  .''"  — 

"  Well,  I  do  n't  know,  but  you  pray  for  me, 
may  be  you  '11  get  me  through  somehow." 

The  rich  man  was  a  helpless  beggar,  as  to 
heavenly  endowments,  with  no  hope  in  the  world 
to  come. 

There  was  joy  and  sadness  in  parting  with  the 
dear  people  at  Prattsville — joy,  that  so  many  had 
foimd  the  Savior,  and  sadness  for  those  who  still 
refused  the  offers  of  mercy  and  pardon. 

A  goodly  number  accompanied  her  to  Wind- 
ham Center,  to  attend  a  donation  visit  given  to 


206         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

Rev.  A.  C.  Morehouse.  The  house  was  full  of 
cheerful  company,  and  proved  a  financial  success. 
During  the  evening  the  good  jDastor  asked, 

"Did  you  receive  a  paper  from  Elder  Chad- 
wick  .?" 

She  replied,  "  I  did  not." 

"  Did  he  give  you  a  letter  to  me  V 

"  No,  sir." 

"  O,  well,  here  is  a  paper  that  will  do  for  the 
present,  and  I  will  send  you  another  in  a  day  or 
two." 

Placing  it  in  her  pocket,  she  thought  no  more 
of  the  little  missive  till  next  morning,  when,  on 
opening  the  envelope,  she  found  the  following : 

"  3Sa:t)orttr's  %{imzt. 

"This  may  certify  that  Mrs.  Maggie  N.  Van  Cott,  the 
bearer,  having  been  duly  recommended  by  the  class  of 
which  she  is  a  member,  is  hereby  authorized  to  hold  meet- 
ings for  prayer  and  exhortation  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  on  Windham  circuit. 

"A.  C.  Morehouse,  Pastor. 
''Wi7idham  Center,  N.  V.  Con/.,  September  d,  i86S." 

This  ecclesiastica]  formula,  though  gotten  up 
Tvithout  her  knowledge,  was  not  delivered  to  her 
for  over  four  months.  Glancing  at  the  date,  a 
smile  passed  over  her  face  as  she  wondered  at 
the  long  delay.  She  had  already  been  hold- 
ing meetings  for  eleven  months  on  this  district, 


NE  W  DIFFICUL  TIES.  2O7 

and  had  held  "  meetings  for  prayer  and  exhorta- 
tion," in  connection  with  the  sixth  ward  mission 
in  New  York  city,  for  nearly  two  years.  And  at 
these  she  had  spoken  hundreds  of  times  from 
cexis  of  Scriptures,  as  the  Spirit  of  God  had 
directed. 

A  previous  engagement  now  called  her  to  Stone 
Ridge,  Ulster  county.  New  York,  by  invitation  of 
Rev.  Charles  Palmer,  who  received  her  cordially, 
and  his  wife  made  her  happy  in  their  splendid 
home.  She  asked  what  he  desired  her  to  do,  and 
how  he  wanted  the  meetings  conducted  ?  To 
which  he  replied, 

"  I  want  you  to  do  just  what  God  directs  by 
his  Spirit,  and  conduct  the  meetings  in  your  own 
way,  as  3^ou  may  think  best.  I  have  a  desire  to 
see  souls  saved,  and  have  done  all  I  could,  and 
the  dear  Lord  has  given  us  a  glorious  victory.  Do 
what  you  can,  and  I  trust  we  shall  have  another 
shout." 

The  Sabbath  was  bright  and  glorious ;  the 
throng  came,  and  filled  the  church.  Before  clos- 
ing her  discourse,  pressed  by  the  Eternal  Spirit, 
she  cried, 

"We  shall  have  a  glorious  revival,  and  twi; 
hundred  souls  will  be  converted  on  this  chaige  in 
the  name  of  Christ." 

After  the  services,  as  they  were  shaking  hands 


208         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

and  getting  acquainted,  one  of  the  stewards 
said, 

"  Sister,  while  I  am  real  glad  to  see  you,  I  am 
sorry  you  said  what  you  did  about  the  two  hun- 
dred souls,  because  it  can  7iot  be  done.  We  have 
bad  a  revival  thi^  Conference  year ;  and  it  was  a 
glorious  work,  praise  God !  and  I  tell  you,  if 
brother  Palmer  can  not  win  them,  no  one  else 
need  try.     Yet  I  am  glad  you  are  here." 

She  asked,  ''Are  there  no  sinners  in  the  place  i^" 

"  O  yes,"  he  replied,  "  plenty  of  them  ;  but  they 
are  so  hard  I  have  no  faith  they  can  be  reached 
now." 

"  Well,  brother,  go  home  and  pray  God  to  give 
you  faith  in  that  direction,  and  he  will  help  us." 

The  first  week  passed,  and  the  good  minister 
was  taken  from  her  side  and  laid  upon  a  bed  of 
sickness.  This  caused  some  anxiety;  but  she 
pressed  forward  two  weeks  longer,  and  only 
twenty-five  souls  had  sought  the  Savior.  The 
prediction  of  the  good  brother  reached  her  ears 
again,  but  the  Spirit  whispered,  "  As  the  Lord 
liveth  he  will  give  you  to  see  the  two  hundred 
souls  converted."  On  returning  home  she  asked 
the  afflicted  pastor, 

"  How  long  can  I  have  the  use  of  your  church  ?" 

He  smiled,  and  replied,  "As  long  as  you  choose 
to  hold   meetings.     But,  sister,  you  look  so  pale 


NE  W  DIFFJCUL  TIES.  2O9 

and  weary,  I  fear  you  will  kill  yourself.  Do  n't 
work  so  hard." 

Another  Sabbath  passed  ;  but  the  hard  and 
flinty  hearts  were  not  yet  melted,  and  she  felt  her 
strength  of  body  giving  way  under  the  continued 
mental  anguish.  On  the  following  Monday  morn- 
ing, after  family  prayers,  she  remarked, 

"  Sister  Palmer,  I  am  going  in  the  parlor  to 
settle  this  Church  matter  with  the  dear  Master. 
Please  do  not  allow  any  one  to  come  near  me. 
If  I  do  not  come  out  in  time  for  dinner  do  not 
call  me.  If  I  am  not  with  you  in  time  for  the 
afternoon  meeting  you  may  call  in  the  friends. 
I  shall,  in  the  name  of  God,  this  day,  have  vic- 
tory or  death." 

It  was  a  bitter  cold  day  in  February,  and  no 
fire  had  been  kindted  in  that  room  all  Winter, 
and  the  frost  was  thick  on  the  window-panes. 
She  wrapped  a  large  shawl  around  her  and  bowed 
before  God,  and  presented  the  promises  covered 
with  the  blood  of  the  Savior,  and  in  them  there 
could  be  no  failure.  "  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive," 
stood  before  her  as  in  characters  of  living  fire. 
Also,  "  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide 
in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be 
done  unto  you ;"  "  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in 
my  name,  that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may  be 
glorified  in  the  Son  ;"  "  If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing. 


2IO        MRS.  31  AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

in  my  name,  I  will  do  it."  It  was  the  same 
voice  that  awoke  slumbering  chaos,  and  new-made 
worlds  teemed  with  life  glorious  and  grand.  An 
hour  passed — another  followed — she  had  grap- 
pled in  with  God's  Word,  and,  in  the  anguish  of 
her  spirit,  as  she  afterward  declared,  she  could, 
in  a  certain,  degree,  understand  the  Scripture, 
where  it  describes  the  Master's  agony  in  the  gar- 
den, when  he  sweat  great  drops  of  blood.  In 
those  hours  of  the  most  intense  struggle  of  spirit, 
the  great  drops  of  sweat  rolled  from  her  brow. 
The  tempter  suggested,  "  Give  it  up  ;  God  will 
not  give  the  answer  to-day."  "  Then  to-day,  on 
this  spot,  I  die,"  was  her  answer.  The  agony  in- 
creased— the  prayer  became  a  struggle  as  for  life. 
"  I  will  not  let  thee  go.  Thy  Word  is  truth. 
Thou  hast  said,  '  Now  is  the  time.'  O  God,  now 
send  the  answer;  7iow,  my  Father,  hear  me,  for 
the  sake  of  souls— for  the  tzvo  hundred.  Christ 
has  paid  the  price  of  their  redemption.  I  plead 
his  merits — I  will  not  yield — I  will  not  move-— I 
will  not  let  go  my  hold— thou  canst  not  turn  me 
away.  Behold,  thine  own  dear  Son  pleads — the 
Spirit  intercedes.  Give,  O  give  the  answer." 
That  moment  she  saw,  as  \%  were  from  heaven, 
a  hand  lowered,  resplendent  in  beauty,  and,  as 
she  reached  to  touch  it,  there  dropped  a  great 
shower  of  unnumbered  packages  tow^^rd  the  earth 


NE IV  DIFFICUL  TIES.  211 

A  sweet  zephyr  of  peace  floated  over  her  soul, 
and  soon  shouts  of  rapture  flooded  her  spirit. 
She  arose,  left  the  room,  and  found  the  family 
awaiting  her  coming  for  dinner. 

Brother  Palmer  said,  "Sister,  where  have  you 
been  .?" 

"Glory  to  God!  I  have  been  in  'the  secr<.'l 
place  of  the  Most  High,'  "  she  replied. 

"  I  should  think  you  had,  for  your  face  shines.'' 

"Not  half  so  brightly  as  my  soul  shines,  bless 
the  Lord !  And  as  he  liveth,  two  hundred  sou  is 
are  converted.  The  answer  has  been  given — I 
feel,  and  knozv  it." 

During  the  afternoon  meeting  a  dear  sister 
spoke,  saying, 

"  During  the  noon  prayer-time  to-day,  I  think 
I  never  had  such  views  of  God's  willingness  to 
save.  And  I  have  faith,  sister  Van  Cott,  that  we 
shall  see  a  great  work." 

"Where  two  or  three  agree  as  touching  any 
one  thing,  it  shall  be  done."  Faith  was  in  lively 
exercise  in  at  least  two  hearts  ;  and  this  could  re- 
move mountains  of  sin. 

That  night  God  honored  the  Word  spoken  ; 
and  when  the  invitations  were  given,  twenty-five 
persons  bowed  at  the  altar  of  prayer.  The 
Church  was  aroused  at  the  sight,  and,  though 
heretofore  weak  in  faith,  it  now  came  up  nobly  to 


212        MI^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

the  work.  In  less  than  five  weeks  from  that  time 
two  hundred  and  thirty-jive  souls  professed  faith 
in  Christ.  One  hundred  and  fifty-four  united 
with  the  society  here,  and  others  found  homes 
elsewhere. 

In  due  time  the  converts  were  received  into 
full  membership,  and  enjoyed  all  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  the  Church  of  their  choice. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  GOOD  WORK  SPREADING. 

GREAT  many  incidents  of  thrilling  in- 
terest happened  while  these  meetings 
were  in  progress. 
One  evening  the  sick  pastor  sent  word  for  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  to  come  home  earlier,  and  take  more 
rest,  as  he  knew  the  severe  work  was  telling  un- 
favorably on  her  health.  Her  average  hours  for 
sleep  were  scarcely  more  than  four ;  and  the  ad- 
vice from  the  man  of  God  was  good.  But  the 
young  converts  held  midnight  meetings;  their 
companions  were  seeking  the  Lord,  and  their 
songs  and  prayers  could  be  heard  till  nearly 
morning. 

"  Please,  sister,  do  go  and  sit  in  the  room,  and 
we  will  lead  the  meeting,"  were  words  she  could 
not  hear  unheeded.  In  front  of  the  church,  across 
the  street,  at  a  private  house,  these  meetings  were 
held  long  after  the  exercises  in  the  church  had 
closed.     Entering  the  capacious  parlor,  she  found 

213 


214        ^^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

about  sixty  persons  gathered,  and  soon  others 
came,  till  the  room  was  completely  filled.  She 
had  scarcely  been  seated  when  an  old  man,  tot- 
tering v/ith  age,  came  in,  and  in  a  moment  she 
insisted  upon  his  taking  her  comfortable  chaiv 
The  devotions  started  immediately,  and  penitents 
tfvere  weeping  in  different  parts  of  the  room. 
One  was  standing  by  the  door,  his  face  bathed  in 
tears,  and  near  by  him  another,  for  whom  his 
mother  had  long  been  praying.  To  the  one 
standing  by  the  door  she  said,  "Do  you  desire 
to  seek  Jesus  T 

With  a  distressing  wail,  he  answered,  "  Yes 
ma'am." 

"  Come  with  me,  then,  where  we  all  can  kneel 
around  and  pray  for  you." 

To  the  audience  she  said,  "  Here  is  one  who 
desires  salvation  ;  let  us  all  look  to  God  for  him." 

The  company  bow-ed,  and  prayed  fervently. 
The  penitent  wept,  pleaded,  groaned,  and  uttered 
the  most  dismal  howls,  until  they  were  almost 
unbearable.  He  tossed  about,  to  and  fro,  like  a 
wild  man,  keeping  up  his  terrible  noise,  fully 
twenty  minutes. 

Something  must  be  done  for  him,  was  the  pres- 
ent conviction  of  her  mind,  for  if  he  was  in 
earnest  his  agony  was  fearful ;  if  he  was  not  sin- 
cere, it  was  time  some  words  of  instruction  were 


THE  GOOD   WORK  SPREADING.  21 5 

given,  that  the  melting  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
might  touch  him.  A  moment  of  silent  prayer, 
and  with  strong  faith  she  said,  "  Now,  Lord,  re- 
ieve  this  captive  of  sin  and  Satan." 

Suddenly  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  crying  in  a  loud 
voice,  "  Seek,  O  seek  God  at  once  !  Do  n't  put  il 
off;  you  will  perish  !  Do  come !  Glory  be  to 
God,  he  has  saved  me !  I  '11  tell  it  while  I  live, 
and  shout  it  when  I  die  !  I  am  saved ;  yes,,  sing 
it,  shout  it !     I  'm  glad  salvation  's  free!" 

It  was  now  past  midnight,  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
thought  it  best  to  close  the  meeting ;  but  before 
doing  so,  she  asked,  "Is  there  not  another  soul 
that  would  have  me  pray  for  the  blessing  of  God 
to  come  upon  it .?" 

Just  before  her  a  young  lady  screamed  out, 
"  What  shall  /  do  to  be  saved  T 

"  Seek  Jesus,"  answered  the  new-born  soul ; 
"  O,  yes,  seek  him  ;  he  will  be  found  of  you  !" 

She  fell  into  Mrs.  Van  Cott's  arms,  and  contin- 
ued her  screams,  intermingled  with  sighs  of  deep 
anguish.  The  exhaustion  of  overwork  brought 
on  dizziness  and  fainting,  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
needed  assistance  for  a  few  moments.  The  dear 
young  lady  was  converted  in  less  than  half  an 
hour,  and  joy  and  gladness  filled  the  believers' 
hearts.  The  meeting  closed  about  one  o'clock, 
and  the  still,  cold,  frosty  air  echoed  the  praises 


2l6        MKS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON'  VAN  COTT. 

of  God  as  the  happy  throng  scattered  to  their 
several  homes. 

The  next  evening,  in  church,  the  young  man 
would  wave  his  handkerchief  every  few  moments, 
during  the  sermon,  and  shout  "  Glory  to  God !" 
As  soon  as  the  prayer-meeting  commenced  she 
stepped  to  his  side,  and  whispered,  "  My  child, 
do  n't  you  know  your  wild  enthusiasm  will  bring 
upon  you  reproach  and  scorn  ?" 

"Who  cares  what  the  world  and  Satan  may 
say  of  me  ;  I  am  saved  !"  he  shouted,  until  every 
eye  was  turned  toward  him.  His  face  shone 
with  the  glory  which  God  was  pouring  into  his 
heart.  As  soon  as  an  opportunity  was  given  to 
speak,  he  sprang  to  his  feet,  stood  in  the  aisle, 
waved  his  handkerchief,  and  declared  that  he  had 
started  in  the  way  of  life  eternal,  and  would,  by 
the  help  of  God,  be  a  true  soldier  of  the  Cross. 

"And  now,"  he  continued,  "watch  me.  To- 
morrow night  there  will  be  a  meeting  at  my 
father's  house,  and  I  intend  to  have  meetings 
there  every  week;  and  if  you  want  to  be  con- 
verted come  down.  I  intend,  God  helping  me,  to 
see  souls  converted  there." 

Eight  months  afterward,  when  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
visited  that  house,  she  learned  that  meetings  had 
been  held  each  week,  and  God  had  honored  the 
effort  with  the  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 


THE  LjOOD  work  spreading.  2 1 7 

Many  of  the  converts,  knowing  that  their  beset- 
ting sin  had  heretofore  been  the  wine-cup,  re- 
quested her  to  give  them  a  lecture  on  Tem- 
perance. 

This  was  a  new  field  of  labor  ;  but,  as  she  had 
seen  the  evils  of  rum  in  many  of  its  ruined  vic- 
tims, after  a  little  thought,  she  consented  to  make 
the  effort.  The  division  of  the  Sons  of  Temper- 
ance urged  her  to  join  their  number,  and  try  to 
induce  others  to  unite  with  them.  She  did  as 
requested,  and  twenty-eight  more  followed  the 
good  example. 

On  the  day  of  invitation  she  took  dinner  some 
three  miles  from  the  parsonage  in  one  direction, 
addressed  a  Sunday-school  picnic,  some  four  miles 
from  the  parsonage,  in  another  direction,  then 
held  the  usual  meeting  in  the  evening  at  the 
church,  after  which  the  initiatory  exercises  took 
place.  As  it  was  only  a  quarter  after  ten  o'clock, 
according  to  announcement,  she  delivered  a  tem- 
perance address  at  Yah  Crepplebush,  only  four 
miles  in  another  direction,  reaching  home  in  time 
to  retire  at  two  o'clock ;  arose  early,  and  rode 
twelve  miles  before  ten,  in  the  mornino:,  sino-ino: 

"  What  a  favored  lot  is  mine  !" 

The  next  field  of  labor  was  Madalin,  Duchess 
county,  N.  Y.     Here  the  revival  continued  four 

17 


2 1 8         MI^S.  MA GGIE  NE WTON  VAN  CO TT. 

weeks,  and  at  the  close  of  the  meetings  the  pro 
bationers  were  received  into  the  Churchy 

It  was  a  grand  sight,  and  worthy  an  artist's 
best  effort  to  secure  such  a  picture.  On  the  ex> 
treme  right,  near  the  wall,  stood  a  colored  man 
and  on  the  extreme  left  his  wife,  while  at  the 
altar  kneeled  their  daughter,  seeking  to  know  the 
Savior's  love.  About  the  center  of  the  group 
were  two  gentlemen,  twin  brothers,  about  forty- 
three  years  of  age,  and  near  them  another 
brother,  some  two  years  their  senior.  They  had 
forsaken  the  paths  of  sin,  and  entered  the  "  high- 
way of  holiness,"  and  at  this  hour  were  united 
with  the  visible  Church  militant. 

While  at  Stone  Ridge,  Ulster  county,  N.  Y., 
the  presiding  elder  called,  and  took  dinner  at  the 
parsonage,  in  order  to  have  a  conversation  with 
Mrs.  Van  Cott ;  and,  though  the  visit  produced 
some  embarrassment,  yet  she  found  him  a  Chris- 
tian gentleman,  and  enjoyed  his  visit.  After  he 
was  gone,  brother  Palmer  inquired, 

"  Sister,  I  think  you  have  a  license  to  preach  ?" 
She  answered,  "Yes,  would  you  like  to  see  it?*' 
He  smiled  and  said,  "  Yes,  for  our  Annual  Con- 
ference will  soon  be  held,  and  our  fourth   quar- 
terly conference  is  near  at  hand,  and  at  this  we 
would  like  to  renew  your  credentials." 

She  hastened    to   her  room    and  brought  the 


THE  GOOD   WORK  SPREADING.  219 

license  given  by  Rev.  A.  C.  Morehouse.     As  soon 
as  he  saw  the  paper,  he  asked, 
"  Is  this  all  you  have }'' 
She  replied,  "  Yes,  sir,  all  I  need." 
"Why,  no,  this  does  not  allow  you  to  take  a 
text  and  preach  from  it." 

*•  Do  n't  it }  Well,  God  allows  it.  I  received 
my  commission  from  him,  brother,  and  have 
used  texts  years  before  I  ever  saw  brother  More- 
house, and  God  has  honored  the  work  in  the  sal- 
vation of  hundreds  of  souls.  I  think  what  God 
owns  and  blesses,  man  has  no  right  to  condemn." 
In  a  few  days  she  was  called  before  the  quar- 
terly conference,  to  be  examined  according  to  the 
rules  of  the  Discipline  ;  and  though  perfectly  igno- 
rant of  the  questions  about  to  be  asked,  she  found 
no  difficulty  in  answering  them.  They  run  as 
follows : 

"  Do  you  know  God  as  a  sin-pardoning  God .''" 
"  Have  you  the  love  of  God  abiding  in  you  T 
"  Do  you  desire  nothing  but  God  V 
"  Are  you  striving  to  be  holy  in  all  manner  of 
conversation  .?" 

From  her,  the  elder  then  turned  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  official  board  and  propounded  to  them 
the  second  series  of  questions. 

"  Has  she  gifts  (as  well  as  grace)  for  the  work?" 
"Has  she  (in  some   tolerable  degree)  a  clear, 


220         MKS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

sound  understanding,  a  right  judgment  in  the 
things  of  God,  a  just  conception  of  salvation  by 
faith  ?  And  has  God  given  her  any  degree  of  ut- 
terance ?    Does  she  speak  justly,  readily,  clearly  ?" 

*'  Is  there  any  spiritual  fruit  ?" 

"  Are  any  truly  convinced  of  sin,  and  converted 
to  God  by  her  preaching  ?" 

"  As  long  as  these  three  marks  concur  in  any 
one,  he  (or  she)  is  called  of  God  to  preach.  These 
we  receive  as  sufficient  proof  that  he  (or  she)  is 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost,"  (See  Methodist  Dis- 
cipline, p.  63.) 

Turning  again  to  her,  the  elder  asked, 

"  Sister  Van  Cott,  what  do  you  deem  to  be  the 
unpardonable  sin  ?" 

To  this  she  replied  as  best  she  could,  and 
then,  though  knowing  it  to  be  a  little  out  of 
order,  asked,  "  Will  you  please  give  me  your  views 
on  the  subject  ?" 

"  Well,  I  think  you  are  as  near  right  as  you  can 
be  on  that  question." 

After  a  few  moments  the  lady  candidate  was 
dismissed,  and  in  about  an  hour  the  elder  entered 
the  parsonage  and  handed  her  the  following  : 

"  To  all  whom  it  jnay  concern  : 

"This  certifies  that  sister  Maggie  N.  Van  Cott,  having 
been  examined  by  us,  concerning   her  gifts,  graces,  and 


THE  GOOD   WORK  SPREADING.  221 

usefulness,  we  judge  that  she  is  a  suitable  person  to  be 
licensed  as  a  local  preacher  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  we  accordingly  authorize  Jier  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  subject  to  the  requirements  of  the  Discipline  ot 
said  Church. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  quarterly  conference  of  Stone 
Ridge,  in  the  Ellensville  district,  this  sixth  day  of  March, 
1369.  A.  H.  FuRGUSON,  Presiding  Elder. ^' 

Folding  the  paper  she  asked,  "  Will  this  make 
me  more  efficient  in  winning  souls  for  Christ  ?" 

"  I  can  not  say  that  it  will,"  he  replied. 

"Well,  then,  sir,  I  value  it  but  very  little." 

"  It  will  save  you  from  many  unpleasant  re- 
marks." 

"  So  far  as  that  is  concerned,  I  care  not  for  the 
remarks  of  the  world  ;  yet  I  thank  you,  brother, 
for  your  kindness  in  thus  protecting  me.  But, 
please,  sir,  lay  your  hands  on  my  head  and 
ask  God,  in  earnest  prayer,  to  make  me  more 
useful." 

The  hands  were  laid  upon  her  head,  and  the 
blessing  asked. 

While  on  this  charge  she  closed  her  first  year 
of  regular  work  as  an  itinerant  evangelist,  not 
counting  the  twenty-one  months  of  toil  at  the 
Five  Points.  Being  now  regularly  licensed  as  a 
local  preacheress,  we  may  hereafter,  with  official 
sanction,  call  her  discourses  sermons. 


222         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  work  done  the  past  year  may  be  summed 
up  as  follows : 

Sermons  preached,  averaging  an  hour  long,        .        335 

Class-meetings  attended, 91 

Prayer-meetings  attended,  ....  69 

Probationers  united  with  the  M.  E.  Church,  .        .     500 

Miles  of  travel, 3,ooo 

Total  moneys  received  for  the  year's  work,  $735  35 

Out  of  this  pittance  she  paid  her  child's  board 
and  their  traveling  expenses  ;  but  for  clothes,  she 
had  to  draw  from  borrowed  resources.  For  the 
work  which  was  so  precious  and  full  of  comfort, 
she  was  willing  to  undergo  some  financial  loss. 

The  next  call  was  to  Patterson,  New  Jersey, 
and  on  the  way  she  stopped  at  Kingston,  N.  J., 
for  a  visit  at  Mr.  Samuel  Dimmick's.  The  after- 
noon was  spent  pleasantly,  and  as  they  sat  down 
to  supper,  Mr.  D.  exclaimed,  "It  is  published 
through  town  that  the  Rev.  Mrs.  Maggie  N.  Van 
Cott  will  preach  in  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  Kingston,  this  evening." 

This  created  a  laugh,  and  the  subject  was 
dropped.  Supper  over,  some  one  made  the  same 
remark,  but  only  to  create  a  laugh.  While  seated 
in  the  parlor,  the  hall  bell  rang,  and  being  an- 
fjwered,  a  voice  was  heard  asking, 
Ts  Mrs.  Van  Cott  in  town .?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  Mrs.  Dimmick. 

^  Is  she  going  to  preach  to-night  V* 


THE  GOOD   WORK  SPREADING.  223 

"  Not  that  she  is  aware  of." 

"Why,  it  is  all  around  town,  and  already  the 
people  are  going  to  the  church." 

"  It  is  a  mistake,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  knows  nothir^g 
oi  it." 

Scaicely  had  the  door  closed,  and  the  lady 
again  seated,  before  summoned  again  to  answer 
nearly  the  same  questions.  Just  then  the  church- 
bell  rang  out  its  great  clear  tones  of  welcome, 
and  the  lady-caller  exclaimed,  "  Do  n't  you  hear 
that  ?" 

Mrs.  Van  Cott,  not  knowing  what  might  hap- 
pen, began  to  ask  God  for  a  preparation  for  any 
emergency,  when  presently  an  elderly  gentleman 
entered  and  said, 

"  Sister,  a  great  mistake  has  taken  place  in  ref- 
erence to  a  meeting  to-night,  but  there  are  now 
five  hundred  people  in  the  church.  Won't  you 
come  and  speak  to  them  t  I  do  hope  and  pray 
you  will." 

"  I  prefer  to  rest  to-night,  as  I  am  here  on  s 
visit,  and  do  not  desire  to  hold  meetings." 

However,  after  a  little  reflection  she  concluded 
to  go,  but  was  surprised  in  not  finding  the  pastor 
present,  and  was  fearful  he  had  been  offended 
by  some  of  the  unlooked-for  movements,  which 
proved,  in  the  end,  too  true.  Yet  it  was  not  kind 
in  him  to  blame  her,  as  she  was  not  at  fault  in  the 


224         ^/AVV.  MAGGIE  .VEIVTON  VAN  COTT. 

matter.  The  explanation  was  about  thus:  Mr 
Dimmick,  on  going  to  his  store  in  the  morning; 
had  remarked  to  one  of  the  church  stewards, 
*  Sister  Van  Cott  is  at  my  house,  and  if  you  want 
her  to  preach,  now  is  your  time." 

Immediately  the  sexton  was  informed  that  the 
church  would  be  needed  that  evening,  when  the 
zealous  brother  hastened  to  the  parsonage  and 
asked  the  parson  if  he  could  have  the  use  of  the 
church  for  sister  Van  Cott. 

"  I  do  n't  care,"  was  the  reply,  "  but  I  can  not 
be  present  until  late,  as  I  have  to  help  initiate 
some  in  our  order  to-night." 

When  they  met  some  two  days  afterward,  the 
pastor  showed  a  very  unpleasant  state  of  mind, 
and  his  wife  used  insulting  language  toward  Mrs. 
Van  Cott,  which  was  wholly  uncalled  for. 

The  Cross-Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
Patterson,  N.  J.,  was  the  next  field  of  labor.  The 
meetings  were  held  one  month,  and  during  that 
time  ninety-three  persons  bowed  at  the  altar  of 
prayer ;  but  when  the  time  arrived  for  them  to  be 
received  into  the  Church,  only  twenty-five  would 
unite.  Political  strife  among  the  members  had 
made  havoc  with  the  flock.  Many  sad  incidents 
revealed  this  during  the  meetings.  If  the  Demo- 
cratic brethren  took  the  lead  in  prayer  one  night, 
the  Republicans  remained  silent  during  that  en- 


THE  GOOD  WORK  SPREADING.  225 

tire  evening.  And  so,  on  the  other  hand,  if  the 
Republicans  came  first. 

One  night  in  passing  down  the  aisle  she  asked 
a  young  man  to  give  his  heart  to  Jesus, 

"  I  really  want  to,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Do  it  then,"  she  continued. 

"Would  you  have  me  go  to  that  altar,"  he 
asked,  "and  have  that  lying  hypocrite  pray  for 
me  r 

"  What  have  you  to  do  with  his  sins  1  look  to 
yourself,  dear  child." 

"  Yes  ;  but,  then,  such  men  hurt  the  cause  you 
are  trying  to  spread." 

"  Not  necessarily ;  God  can  and  will  maintain 
his  own  cause,  and  has  commanded  men  to  look 
to  Him  who  died  upon  the  cross.     Will  you  go  T 

"  No,  not  to-night." 

She  shuddered  at  the  thought,  how  many  have 
been  lost  through  those  dreadful  words,  "  Not  to- 
night!" 

The  last  week  of  her  stay  in  that  city,  two 
gentlemen  called  and  asked  if  she  would  deliver 
an  oration  the  coming  Fourth  of  July.  To  this 
she  replied, 

"I  know  nothing  about  orations,  having  never 
heard  one,  and  I  dare  not  undertake  it."  They 
explained  more  fully, 

"  We   have  a  nice   little  church  at  our  place, 


226         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

but  we  are  five  hundred  dollars  in  debt,  and  we 
are  now  getting,  up  3.  festival,  and  expect  to  have 
fire-ivorks  in  the  evening,  and  learning  that  you 
were  in  town,  we  called  to  try  and  get  you.  We 
hear  that  you  receive  one  hundred  dollars  per 
night,  but  we  can  not  pay  that  much ;  still  we  will 
do  the  best  we  possibly  can  if  you  will  come." 

"  It  is  a  great  mistake  about  the  money ;  I  do 
not  receive  any  such  sum,  nor  any  stipulated 
price  whatever.  My  only  trouble  is,  I  am  not 
competent  to  deliver  an  oration,  or  I  would  con- 
sent to  help  you." 

"  Well,  only  say  you  will  come,  and  you  may 
speak  on  any  subject  you  choose." 

The  good  pastor  of  the  church  protested,  for 
Sabbath  next  being  the  Fourth  of  July,  their 
church  would  be  crowded,  and  Monday,  the  day 
of  celebration,  she  ought  to  rest ;  besides,  she 
was  threatened  with  typhoid  fever,  and  was  not 
really  able  to  do  so  much  heavy  work.  Finally 
she  consented  to  go  and  help  them  in  lifting 
the  church  debt.  As  the  men  arose  to  go  they 
declared  they  had  all  the  fire-works  now,  they 
needed. 

Monday  morning,  July  5th,  at  five  o'clock,  the 
carriage  called  and  she  was  soon  on  the  way  to 
the  "  little  church  "  some  fifteen  miles  distant. 

By  way  of  preparation  she  had  borrowed  three 


THE  GOOD  WORK  SPREADING.  22y 

orations  from  the  minister,  and  shortly  after 
arriving  at  the  place,  and  in  a  quiet  room,  began 
to  read  them  over.  The  first  one  read  was  too 
deep.  The  second  was  to  high-toned  for  her, 
liiit  the  third  was  just  to  her  liking.  Its  rich 
thoughts  and  brilliant  illustrations  were  all  she 
could  desire.  But  imagine  the  surprise  on  her 
finding  a  pencil-note  on  one  corner,  stating  that 
this  had  been  delivered  near  the  same  place  and 
to  that  very  people  the  year  before.  But  a  few 
minutes  more  remained  before  the  exercises  would 
commence,  and  this  she  spent  in  prayer. 

Arriving  at  the  church,  she  requested  a  na- 
tional anthem  to  be  sung,  and  while  the  singers 
were  doing  their  best,  a  few  thoughts  were  col- 
lected for  the  occasion.  Prayer  over,  tlie  pastor 
of  the  church  arose  and  announced  that  **  The 
Rev.  Mrs.  Maggie  N.  Van  Cott  will  now  deliver 
the  oration." 

The  notice  caused  a  smile  on  her  part,  but 
fearing  the  effect,  she  suppressed  it  quickly,  and 
commenced  by  asking  the  privilege  of  holding  an 
old-fashioned  Methodist  meeting  that  evening. 
This  was  received  with  hearty  ^^  aniens  I'  and  fear- 
ing the  oration  would  be  too  much  of  the  sermon 
order,  she  turned  to  the  pastor  and  asked  him  to 
call  her  back  if  she  wandered  too  far  from  what 
was  expected  on  a  Fourth  of  July  occasion.     This 


228        MRS.  MAG G IE  XEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

caused  a  little  laughter  in  the  audience,  but  for 
the  life  of  her  she  could  not  tell  which  way  her 
thoughts  would  run,  as  she  had  no  plan  whatever 
arranged.  Presently  she  thought  of  General 
Washington's  campaign,  and  how  he  routed  the 
*  Red  Coats "  on  that  very  plain  and  near  that 
spot,  and  how  great  was  the  victory  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary struggle.  An  hour  passed  quickly  ;  the 
audience  was  filled  with  emotion,  shouting  or 
weeping,  and  as  she  bowed  and  retired  from  the 
altar  platform,  she  was  followed  by  a  shower  of 
applause. 

In  the  evening,  as  might  be  expected,  the 
church  was  crowded  to  its  full  capacity,  and  she 
spoke  on  her  favorite  theme  of  Faith.  Five  per- 
sons came  forward  and  bowed  at  the  altar  as 
seekers  of  peace  and  pardon  through  Christ. 

Nothing  would  do  now,  but  she  in?ist  stay,  or 
come  back  and  hold  a  series  of  meetings,  though 
expecting  to  rest  during  the  hot  months  of  July 
and  August.  In  a  few  days  she  returned,  and 
spent  nearly  two  months  with  that  earnest,  intel- 
ligent people,  and  God  gave  them  eighty  souls 
who  professed  to  have  found  the  Savior. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Dickinson  had  four  places  hx 
preaching,  and  at  each  one  the  fire  of  God's  love 
burned  brightly.  One  evening,  in  the  church, 
while  the  meeting  was   progressing  there  was  a 


THE  GOOD  WORK  SPREADING.  229 

panic.  Some  one  on  the  outside  cried,  "The 
building  is  falling."  The  congregation  was 
moved,  and  a  general  scramble  for  the  door  en- 
sued. But  no  one  was  severely  hurt,  and  the 
panic  soon  ended. 

Among  the  attentive  hearers  were  two  well- 
dressed  ladies,  evidently  from  the  city  of  New 
York.  At  first  they  seemed  to  scorn  the  mes- 
sage of  truth  ;  then  tried  to  turn  the  appeals  into 
ridicule,  but  after  a  few  days  they  became  more 
thoughtful  and  at  times  would  weep  freely.  Pass- 
ing their  pew,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  asked  the  one  next 
to  her,  gently, 

"  Do  you  love  Jesus  ?" 

"No,  no,"  was  the  answer;  but  she  continued, 
"  tell  me,  can,  and  will  God  hear  the  prayer  of, 
and  save  an  actress  !" 

"  He  will  save  all  who  come  unto  him,  with 
broken  and  contrite  hearts,"  replied  Mrs.  Van 
Cott ;  "  come  and  seek  the  Lord  now." 

Both  ladies  arose  at  once,  went  forward  and 
kneeled  at  the  altar,  and  soon  were  pleading  the 
merits  of  Christ.  In  about  an  hour  both  were 
happy  in  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

They  gave  up  their  occupation  on  the  stage, 
and  when  last  heard  from  were  steadfast  in  the 
faith. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 


IN   NEV/   ENGLAND. 


1^0 R  some  time  Rev,  E.  W.  Virgin,  of 
Chicopee  Falls,  Mass.,  had  been  writing 
and  urging  Mrs.  Van  Cott  to  hold  meet- 
ings on  his  charge.  She  had  many  doubts  about 
her  suiting  the  staid  New  England  people,  but 
after  a  few  days  of  thought  and  earnest  prayer 
the  way  seemed  to  open. 

Arriving  at  Springfield,  Mass.,  September  24, 
1869,  she  was  met  by  the  pastor  and  accompa- 
nied to  Chicopee  Falls.  The  work  soon  broke 
out,  and  exceeded  the  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions. For  two  weeks  the  Lord  was  present 
to  save,  and  many  mourners  found  the  joys  of 
salvation. 

An  invitation  came  from  Rev.  J.  N.  Mars,  of 
Boston,  a  colored  minister  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  begging  for  a  few  days'  services, 
if  no  more.  She  went,  presented  the  claims  of 
God  upon  them,  and  was  gloriously  successful 
230 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  23 1 

Calls  now  pressed  in  from  all  directions,  trying 
to  secure  her  services  for  months  in  advance. 

In  December  she  commenced  work  with  Rev 
J.  O.  Knowles,  Chelsea,  Mass.  For  six  weeks 
the  battle  against  sin  was  waged,  the  meetings 
held  almost  constantly,  save  a  little  while  in  the 
forenoon,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy-five  had  found  peace  in  Jesus. 

She  left  them  for  a  short  time  to  fill  an 
engagement  at  Springfield,  but,  as  the  work 
was  deepening  at  the  former  place,  she  soon 
returned  and  spent  a  month  more  with  the  ear- 
nest workers.  But  calls  loud  and  long  now  came 
from  the  church  at  Springfield  for  her  to  hasten 
back  again.  The  good  pastor  was  ill,  and  the 
official  members  had  decided  to  send  him  to 
Florida  for  his  health.  Conference  was  coming 
on,  and  was  to  be  held  in  that  church.  She 
could  not  leave  Chelsea  for  a  few  weeks,  but 
consented  to  take  charge  of  the  Springfield 
church  as  soon  as  her  engagements  were  closed 
It  Chelsea. 

In  the  latter  place  there  were  some  notable 
:ases  of  wickedness,  and  she  united  with  a  few 
■bi  strong  faith  in  asking  God  to  convert  the 
wickedest  man  in  the  city.  One  night,  in  pass- 
ing through  the  audience,  she  noticed  a  most 
hardened-looking  young  man,  and  asked  him  to 


232        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

seek  the  Lord.  She  was  met  by  a  cold  fiown 
and  a  negative  answer.  He  was  then  invited  to 
attend  a  meeting  at  the  parsonage  next  day.  It 
stormed  badly,  but  he  came,  listened  attentively, 
but  would  not  yield  to  be  saved.  Night  after 
flight  he  resisted  the  Spirit  of  God,  but  when  a 
few  words  dropped  concerning  the  prayers  of  a 
sainted  mother  in  behalf  of  wayward  sons  his 
heart  was  melted  and  tears  flowed  freely,  but 
he  could  not  be  induced  to  come  forward  for 
prayers. 

The  next  evening  a  fearful  snow-storm  pre- 
vailed ;  the  drifts  were  very  deep,  and  the  pastor 
discouraged  Mrs.  Van  Cott  from  going  to  church. 
However,  his  precious  wife  accompanied  her,  and 
they  two  were  the  only  ladies  present.  About 
sixty  gentlemen  composed  the  audience,  and 
among  them  the  young  man,  cast  down  and  full 
of  sorrow.  Brother  Knowles  pressed  the  case  to 
him  personally,  and  he  finally  yielded,  and  was 
soon  blessed.     His  confession  was  thus : 

"  I  came  to  this  place  a  week  ago  to  hear  what 
the  woman  could  say.  I  heard  on  the  street  that 
the  lady  could  hold  the  attention  of  the  people, 
and  I  came  here  out  of  curiosity.  The  first 
night  I  was  pleased,  the  next  interested,  the 
next  wounded.  I  believe  there  has  been  nc 
wickeder   man   in   the    city   than    I    have    been. 


M^  XEIV  BAG  LAND.  233 

Only  last  week,  while  at  the  billiard-table,  I 
thought  I  was  cheated,  and  drew  a  pistol,  and 
would  have  shot  my  offender,  but  was  prevented. 
I  have  gambled — indeed,  been  guilty  of  all  sins 
save  murder — but  now,  by  the  help  of  God,  I 
^ill  strive  to  be  a  better  man." 

A  gentleman  who  had  long  been  tainted  with 
Universalism  was  brought  to  see  his  danger  and 
need  of  salvation  through  Christ.  While  listen- 
ing to  a  discourse  from  the  words,  "  One  thing 
thou  lackest,"  he  saw  plainly  that  no  man  comes 
to  God  save  through  his  only  begotten  Son,  our 
Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  and,  weeping, 
asked  to  be  shown  the  way.  At  the  altar  he 
soon  found  his  faith  taking  hold  on  the  prom- 
ises of  Christ,  and  was  sweetly  and  savingly 
converted. 

Another  had  listened  to  her  preaching,  but 
had  gone  away  not  caring  for  any  of  the  Gospel 
messages  which  he  had  heard.  The  next  even- 
ing, with  the  throng,  he  pressed  his  way  again 
into  the  church.  The  Spirit  of  truth  reached 
his  heart,  and,  with  tears  and  groans,  he  sought 
the  Friend  of  sinners.  In  after  days,  with  the 
members  of  the  Mt.  Bellingham  praying  band, 
he  went  from  place  to  place,  showing  forth  the 
kindness  of  God  in  saving  his  guilty  soul.     His 

loud  shouts  of  joy  were  long  remembered,  and 
18 


234         ^^J^^-  ^I^G(^IP-  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

his  strong  voice  was  heard  in  the  grand  harmony 
as  they  sang, 

"Jesus  paid  it  all,  all  the  debt  I  owe." 

While  laboring  here  Mrs.  Van  Cott  received 
the  following  letters,  which  have  been  read 
several  times  in  public,  and  always  with  good 
results : 

"  Dear  Sister, — '  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all 
tliat  is  witliin  me  praise  his  holy  name.' 

"  Thanks  be  to  God,  I  have  solved  the  problem  concern- 
ing the  redemption  of  my  soul,  or  rather  the  problem  has 
solved  me.  You  recollect  that  when  I  last  saw  you,  at  the 
Elizabeth-Street  Mission,  and  in  my  subsequent  letters, 
my  mind,  and  every  thought,  was  enveloped  in  a  thick  and 
impenetrable  darkness,  in  regard  to  the  how,  the  why,  and 
the  wherefore  of  my  soul's  salvation. 

"  I  was  severely  stricken  by  the  chastening  of  God, 
in  removing  from  my  incompetent  care  my  two  darling, 
idolized  babes,  and  for  a  long  time  my  heart  was  filled  with 
bitter  complainings  at  God's  injustice,  as  I  tlien  thought. 
Many  of  my  friends  afforded  me  their  earnest  sympathy, 
and  kindly  strove  to  console  me  ;  still  all  was  in  vain.  My 
wounded  and  lacerated  feelings  would  not  be  healed  ;  my 
agonizing  heart  would  not  be  comforted,  until  I  began  grad- 
ually to  look  at  myself,  and  found  serious  misgivings  of  the 
future,  with  a  horrid  retrospect  of  the  past,  and  an  utter 
loathing  of  the  present.  This  could  not  last  long.  1  was 
led  by  my  dear  wife  to  attend  church,  and  through  associa- 
tion with  God's  people,  I  thought  I  saw  a  faint  glimmer  of 
hope.  Then  Satan  began  his  fiendish  work  in  my  heart, 
till  I  was  completely  filled  with  doubts,  suspicions,  and 
skepticism  concerning  every  thing  pertaining  to  Christ's 
religion. 


IN  AEW  EiYGLAND.  235 

"  V/lifcn  the  good  people  proclaimed  tiieir  faith  in  Jesus, 
thcii  renunciation  of  the  evils  of  this  world,  their  abi(Hng 
trust  in  God's  mercy  and  goodness,  their  conscit)US  peace 
and  satisfied  happiness  in  God's  love,  the  devilish  spiiit 
within  me  whispered  'humbug;'  it  is  only  theor}-,  practi- 
cally they  are  deceived;  they  have,  by  constant  study  of 
this  religion,  become  ins.ine  on  this  subject,  perfect  mono- 
maniacs. But,  thanks  be  to  our  loving  Father,  I  have  (lis 
covered  that  there  is  a  wonderful  '  method  in  this  madness. 
Still  the  Holy  Spirit  did  not  entirely  desert  me,  but  kept 
gently  saying,  '  Come.'' 

"  Then,  by  some  sudden  transition,  I  began  to  think  there 
was  something  real  in  it,  after  all  ;  but  with  that  thought 
came  the  reflection,  '  This  is  not  for  me.'  Still  there  was  the 
heavenly  invitation,  '  Come  P  '  What !  /,  with  all  the  stain 
of  years?'  '  Yes,  come,  just  as  you  are,  and  though  your 
sins  were  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.' 

"  Then  I  commenced  to  investigate  the  matter,  to  probe 
the  subject  to  the  core,  earnestly  and  honestly;  but  all  was 
dim,  vague,  and  undefinable.  But  ever,  from  amidst  the 
mysterious  veil  that  surrounded  me,  I  heard  the  heavenly 
music,  ^  Come  r  My  brain  was  racked,  my  heart  swelled 
almost  to  bursting,  the  flood-gates  of  my  grief  were  dashed 
aside,  and  my  agony  welled  forth  in  scalding  tears  ;  but  all 
was  in  vain.  I  said,  '  Have  I  not  foresworn  the  world  ? 
Have  I  not  resolved  to  live  honestly  and  squarely  before 
God  and  man?  Do  I  not  seek  the  society  of  Christians, 
and  punctually  attend  the  services  of  the  Church  ?'  Still  I 
could  not  understand  it,  till  on  the  very  verge  of  despair, 
when,  like  a  stray  beam  of  sunshine  stealing  through  a 
crevice  of  the  worldly  and  skeptical  wall  with  which  I  had 
inclosed  myself,  came  the  thought,  keen  and  piercing, 
Fool !  what  do  you  seek  ?  Wouldst  thou  venture  to  peer 
mto  infinity?'  I  was  stunned  in  realizing  that  I,  a  poor, 
weak,  puny  mortal,  was  trying  iQ  fathom  God.  Then,  for  tlie 
first  time,  I  honestly  exclaimed,  '  God  be  merciful  to  me,  a 


236         MRS.  MA G GIE  NE WTON  VAN  CO TT. 

sinner,  and  the  least  worthy  among  the  unworthy  !*  Then 
I  truthfully  cried,  'Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea;'  and, 
worn  out  and  helpless,  I  let  all  go,  and  with  trembling 
spiritual  hands,  but  hoping  heart,  I  clung  frantically  to  the 
cross.  'In  thine  own  good  time,  O  Lord,'  I  prayed,  and 
on  Sunday,  February  28th,  God  mercifully  lifted  the  cloud 
from  over  me,  and  bathed  my  soul  in  the  warm,  gushing 
sunlight  of  his  love.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul !  My 
heart  now  goes  out  to  all,  filled  with  honest  love,  and  tender 
solicitude  for  their  spiritual  welfare. 

"  I  could  talk  to  you  on  this  blessed  religion  forever,  but 
I  fear  I  am  now  encroaching  upon  your  time. 

"  Ever  yours,  in  Christ,  Wm.  Henry  Jones." 

A  few  weeks  later  he  wrote : 

"We  have  had  a  terrible  storm  in  the  city  (New  York.) 
But  this  morning  all  is  still ;  calmness  and  quietude  reign, 
and  the  warm,  genial  sunshine  is  flooding  my  desk,  and  all 
around.  I  have  dilated  thus,  because  it  impressed  me  so 
forcibly  with  what  I  was,  and  am  jww.  This  fierce  con- 
test of  the  elements,  their  final  suppression,  and  this  lovely 
morning  as  a  denouetneiit^  are  so  similar  to  my  experience  ; 
for  with  me  all  the  elements  of  my  nature  seemed  to  be 
madly,  fiercely  contending  for  the  supremacy.  It  seemed 
as  if  all  my  passions  were  coursing  through  my  mind  like 
a  mighty  whirlwind,  seeking  to  tear  down  and  annihilate 
every  vestige  of  conscience  within  me.  In  vain  I  strove 
against  the  storm  of  these  convictions  ;  in  vain  I  exclaimed, 
*  I  am  as  good  as  he  !'  'What  have  I  done  ?'  Again  and 
again  I  interposed  my  strength,  but  only  to  be  beaten  back, 
and  thrown  aside  as  a  feather  in  the  grasp  of  a  tornado, 
until,  in  despair,  I  fell,  and  lay  exhausted,  with  the  pitiless 
storm  beating  upon  and  all  about  me.  Then,  when  all  was 
black  darkness,  when  all  seemed  lost,  when  I  was  pros- 
trated with  the  weakness  of  a  little  child,  and  felt  that  1 


IN  NE  W  ENGLA  ND.  237 

could  do  no  viore^  just  then  the  sweet,  soft  voice  of  Hope 
whispered  in  my  ear,  '•Look  up P  Hoping  against  hope,  I 
raised  my  eyes,  and  before  my  gaze,  with  a  countenance 
radiant  with  mercy,  and  in  tones  overflowing  with  love, 
stood  Jesus,  praise  his  name  !  bidding  me  come.  And  ia 
a  paroxysm  of  hope  I  cried,  '  I  yield !  I  come !'  My 
wasted  form  was  filled  with  new  strength  ;  and  now,  on  this 
beautiful  morning,  1  feel  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  with  grat- 
itude and  gladness,  I  exclaim.  Glory  to  God  !  Halleluiah  ! 
"  I  thank  God  that  he  is  making  you  so  useful  in  his 
vineyard,  for  your  reward  will  be  great ;  your  heavenly 
crown  will  dazzle  with  his  jewels.  I  pray  I  may  be  an  in- 
strument, if  ever  so  humble,  of  doing  something  to  glorify 
God  before  I  die. 

"Your  brother  in  Christ,  Wm.  Henry  Jones." 


Ten  weeks  of  severe  labor  were  spent  here,  at 
Chelsea,  but  the  Lord  was  present  in  mighty  sav- 
ing power,  and  fotir  hundred  yielded  to  be  saved 
by  grace,  through  faith  in  Christ. 

A  strong  invitation  had  been  before  her,  for 
some  time,  from  the  pastor,  Rev.  Franklin  Fur- 
ber,  of  Wilbraham,  Mass.  She  trembled  on 
being  told  that  the  students  in  the  Academy 
would,  doubtless,  ridicule  her  efforts  ;  but,  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord,  she  went  forward. 

She  received  a  hearty  welcome,  and  a  ready  co- 
operation from  the  students.  The  first  night 
twelve  seekers  for  pardon  came  forward,  and  at 
the  close  of  the  prayer-meeting  she  asked,  "  Who 
will  join   in   pleading   with  God  to  double  this 


238        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

number  to-morrow  night  ?  All  who  will,  please 
rise  up." 

A  great  number  arose,  and  bound  themselves 
to  pray  during  half  of  the  noon  hour,  for  the  con- 
version of  souls.  The  next  evening  twenty-eight 
persons  presented  themselves  at  the  altar,  hum- 
bly seeking  the  Savior. 

The  test  of  faith  was  so  gloriously  successful 
that  joy  filled  all  of  the  hearts  of  the  earnest 
workers. 

Not  fearing  the  result,  she  asked  again,  "  Shall 
we  have  this  number  doubled  to-morrow  night  V 
And  those  who  would  pray  and  work  for  this 
end,  and  the  conversion  of  souls,  were  again 
asked  to  manifest  the  same  by  rising.  Fully  half 
of  the  audience  stood  up,  and  thus  showed  a  de- 
sire to  watch,  work,  and  pray.  Seventy-three 
weeping  penitents  were  at  or  near  the  altar,  the 
next  evening ;  and  such  a  time  Wilbraham  had 
never  seen  before.  Shout  after  shout  went  up 
from  the  happy  souls,  as  one  by  one  were  set  free 
from  the  bonds  of  sin,  through  faith  in  Christ. 
The  ministers — several  of  them  doctors  of  divin- 
ity— took  hold  of  the  good  work  with  true  Chris- 
tian zeal,  and  spoke  the  praises  of  Him  who  was 
present  to  save. 

Again,  with  the  overwhelming  joy  of  the  pres- 
ent,   she    asked,    "  Shall   we   have   this   number 


IN  XE IV  EiXGLAND.  '^^y^ 

doubled  to-morrow  night  ?"  Faith  staggered — yet 
about  fifty  persons  arose,  and  covenanted  to  pray 
earnestly  for  the  desired  end.  The  next  evening 
mourners  were  found  all  over  the  house — some 
seeking  pardon,  others  to  regain  lost  joys — and  a 
gieat  many  praying  for  that  holiness  of  heart 
"  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord."  By 
actual  count  there  were  one  hundred  and  seventy 
souls  bowed  as  seekers  of  pardon,  peace,  or  holi- 
ness. 

Dr.  Edward  Cooke,  the  Principal  of  the  Acad- 
emy, gave  the  students  a  part  of  the  next  day  for 
religious  services ;  and  it  was  a  high  day  at  Wil- 
braham — one  never  to  be  forgotten. 

One  of  the  professors  was  a  professed  Univer- 
salist,  and  would  not  attend  the  meetings,  and 
expressed  a  decided  disapproval  of  the  lady's  pro- 
ceedings. Without  saying  a  word  to  liim  on  the 
subject,  several  of  his  students  united  in  earnest 
prayer  in  his  behalf  One  night,  on  returning 
from  the  meeting,  they  heard  his  voice  as  they 
passed  his  room,  saying, 

"  Boys,  come  in  ;  I  want  to  speak  with  you." 

On  entering,  he  told  them  that  God,  by  his 
Spirit,  had  entered  his  room  and  his  heart  ;  and 
now,  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  he  was 
fully  saved  from  sin.  He  appointed  a  meeting  in 
his  own   room,  and   the  presence  of  Christ  was 


240        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

there.  He  suffered  none  to  enter  or  leave  his 
room  without  speaking,  or  leading  in  prayer. 
Those  were  happy  hours,  for  both  teacher  and 
pupils  were  "  looking  unto  Jesus." 

A  few  months  afterward  came  a  letter  telling 
>f  the  happy  and  triumphant  death  of  William  F. 
Newell,  a  student,  aged  about  seventeen  years. 
When  told  that  he  must  die,  he  exclaimed, 

"It  is  all  right,  if  it  be  Christ's  will.  I 
am  ready.  Bury  me  with  Mrs.  Van  Cott's  pict- 
ure in  my  right-hand,  for  she  pointed  me  to 
Christ." 

He  sweetly  slept  in  Jesus. 

Amid  many  tears  and  sorrows,  she  left  Wilbra- 
ham  and  returned  to  Springfield,  where  she  had 
entire  charge  of  Trinity  Church,  in  the  absence 
,of  the  pastor.  The  meetings  were  full  of  deep 
interest,  and  especially  those  held  in  the  after- 
noons. While  passing  down  the  aisle  one  even- 
ing she  saw  one  who  seemed  to  take  no  part  in 
the  meetings.     Addressing  him,  she  asked, 

"  Brother,  what  are  you  doing  here  1  Why 
do  n't  you  go  to  work  for  the  Master  ?" 

"  O,  well,  you  have  help  enough,"  he  replied. 

"What  is  that  to  thee;  go  and  work  for  your 
soul's  sake,  or  you  will  not  get  your  'penny  bless- 

ing.'" 

"  That 's  so  ;  but  I  guess  I  won't  to-night." 


IN  NE  W  ENGLAND.  24 1 

"  Brother,  you  want  a  deeper  work  of  grace/* 
she  continued. 

"  I  know  it." 

"Why  do  n't  you  seek  it,  then,  while  it  may  be 
found .''" 

"  I  am  trying  to." 

"Why  don't  you  go  to  the  altar,  where  the 
seekers  are  .'*" 

After  a  moment's  hesitation,  he  gathered  all 
his  energies,  and  made  an  emphatic,  "  Not  to- 
night." 

The  next  evening  he  was  among  the  first  ones 
to  kneel  at  the  altar,  and  remained  there  till  the 
close  of  the  meeting.  Addressing  the  leader  he 
said, 

"  I  can  not  get  into  liberty." 

"  Why,  what  hinders  V  replied  Mrs.  Van  Cott. 

"  I  feel  that  this  tobacco-box  is  in  the  way." 

"Is  that  all  .^  If  so,  just  give  it  to  me,  that 
you  may  not  have  so  mean  a  thing  to  stumble 
over.  I  will  send  it  as  a  present  to  your  dear, 
pious  mother." 

He  handed  her  the  box,  with  its  filthy  contents, 
and  entered  zealously  into  the  work  of  his  soul's 
full  salvation.  His  conversion  was  clear  and 
strong  ;  and,  being  one  of  the  leading  business 
men  of  Springfield,  the  good  work  had  a  glorious 
effect. 


242         ^/A'5.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  following  appeared  in  one  of  the  issues  of 
The  Sprmgfield  "Unioji:'' 

THE  TRINITY  CHURCH  REVIVAL. 

THE   EXPERIENCE   OF  A    MAN   WHO   LOST   HIS   STRENGTH. 

De  Forest  B.  Dodge,  a  student  at  the  Harlford  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  came  to  this  city  one  evening  last  week 
to  hear  Mrs.  Van  Cott  preach,  and,  while  taking  part  in  the 
exercises,  lost  his  strength,  and  was  for  some  time  as  a 
dead  man,  except  that  he  breathed.  His  experience  was 
similar  to  what  others  have  felt,  but  what  was  more  com- 
mon in  the  early  days  of  the  Methodist  Church  than  ot 
late.  The  gentleman  is  preparing  for  the  ministry  in  the 
Congregational  Church.  He  is  not  a  man  of  excitable 
temperament,  and  those  who  were  at  the  meeting  call  it 
nothing  but  the  power  of  God.  He  gives  the  following 
account  of  his  feelings  : 

"Some  days  before  I  attended  the  Springfield  meeting  I 
had  heard  of  the  deep  religious  interest  existing  there,  and 
listened  to  the  Ciiristian  experiences  of  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  re- 
lated to  me  by  a  brother.  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to  hear 
her,  and  attend  one  of  the  meetings.  Last  Tuesday  even- 
ing I  decided  to  go,  and  reached  the  church  about  five 
minutes  of  eight.  W^hen  I  entered  she  was  engaged  in 
prayer.  My  friends  and  self  were  conducted  to  a  front  seat. 
The  room  was  very  full.  In  the  portion  of  the  prayer 
which  I  heard,  I  immediately  marked  three  things:  a  sweet 
affection  toward  God,  implicit  confidence  in  him,  and  vital 
union  with  him.  It  seemed  to  me  that  this  dear  sister  re 
ahzed  she  was  talking  face  to  face  with  her  listening 
Savior,  who  stood  ready  to  give  her  '  what  things  soever 
she  desired.'  She  then  opened  the  Bible  and  read  for  a 
text  Job  xxiii,  3,  '  O  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  Him  !* 
All  I  will  say  of  the  sermon  is  that  before  it  was  througli, 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  243 

the  question  was  settled  in  my  mind  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
did  call  and  qualify  some  women  to  proclaim  the  salvation 
of  our  Lord  Jesus.  After  the  sermon,  she  invited  those 
Christians  who  desired  more  of  the  'fullness  of  God,'  to 
come  forward  to  the  altar  for  a  season  of  prayer,  (Just  pre- 
vious to  this,  and  immediately  after  the  sermon,  opportu- 
nity was  given  to  those  who  loved  him  to  testify  for  Jesus 
Some  seventy-five  spoke;  I  also  said  a  few  words.)  After 
this  season  of  prayer  the  brethren  and  sisters  returned  to 
Iheir  seats,  and  sister  Van  Cott  formally  dismissed  the 
meeting,  requesting  all  who  could  to  stay  for  another  sea- 
son of  prayer.  She  then  addressed  some  pungent  remarks 
to  the  unconverted,  who  were  'halting  between  two  opin- 
ions.' At  the  close  of  these  she  gave  out  an  invitation  for 
all  who  wished  to  become  followers  of  Jesus,  all  who  were 
hungering  and  thirsting  for  righteousness,  and  those  Chris- 
tians who  were  in  a  spiritual  frame  of  mind,  to  come  for- 
ward for  a  season  of  prayer. 

"The  altar  was  filled — more  than  a  hundred,  in  all,  I 
should  think.  A  moment  before  this,  and  in  fact  at  this 
moment,  1  resolved  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  matter — 
neither  to  kneel  or  pray.  But  just  here,  sister  Van  Cott, 
who  was  now  at  the  remote  end  of  the  rail,  motioned  with 
her  hand  for  me  to  go  into  the  altar.  An  impression  came 
upon  me  that  I  ought  to  go.  I  instantly  stepped  over  to 
the  end,  and  a  brother  taking  me  by  the  hand,  drew  me  ir. 
Then  we  all  kneeled,  and  sister  Van  Cott  coming  out  where 
I  was,  asked  two  brethren  to  lead  in  prayer,  and  requested 
me  to  follow.  The  moment  these  brothers  ceased,  a  sister 
began  ;  when  she  ceased,  another  brother.  The  instant  he 
ceased,  a  brother  behind  me  commenced.  When  this 
brother  was  about  half  through  his  prayer,  an  indescribable 
sense  of  the  gloriousness  of  God  came  powerfully  before 
my  mind.  The  view  was  so  distinct  and  clear  that  my 
emotions  instantly  rose  very  strongly.  I  felt  impelled  to 
break  forth  at  the  top  of  my  voice  in  praise  to  God.     Bui 


244        ^^^^-  ^lAGGIE  NEWTON   VAN  COTT. 

I  restrained  myself  with  the  thought  that,  as  I  was  to  pray 
in  a  moment,  1  might  praise  God  just  as  much  as  1  liked, 
then,  without  interrupting  any  body.  When  the  brother 
ceased,  this  same  view  of  God's  goodness,  glory,  and  bless- 
edness continuing,  and  having  deepened,  I  found  it  impos- 
sible to  begin  to  pray  otherwise  than  by  shouting,  'Glory 
to  God!'  'Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  our  glorious  God,* 
and  such  like  expressions.  This  bright  view  continued 
some  two  or  three  minutes,  when  instantly  the  loveliness 
and  blessedness  of  God  passed  from  my  mind  ;  and  a  clear 
and  powerful  view  of  the  spiritual  condition  of  those  sin- 
ners then  kneeling  at  the  altar  came  before  me.  Then  re- 
covering breath  1  broke  out  in  earnest  prayer  for  them  that 
God  would  show  them  the  sin  of  slighting  Christ's  love, 
and  so  reveal  Christ  to  them  just  then^  as  to  induce  them 
to  put  forth  immediate  and  saving  faith. 

"  I  recollect  that  just  at  this  time  a  strong  assurance  ran 
through  me  that  God  had  answered  my  prayer,  and  of  ex- 
claiming, 'Lord,  we  believe  that  thou  hast  saved  them.' 
This  assurance  growing  stronger,  I  repeated  the  same 
words  louder  than  before.  Just  at  this  instant  the  assur- 
ance amounted  to  a  perfect  certainty;  and  as,  like  a  flash 
of  lightning,  I  realized  the  value  of  an  immortal  soul,  and 
the  absolute  certainty  that  tliose  seeking  ones  for  whom  I 
was  praying  were  saved,  I  broke  out  involuntarily  at  the  tip- 
top of  my  voice,  '  Lord,  we  know  that  thou  hast  saved 
them.'  Up  to  this  moment  I  had  been  troubled  with 
huskiness  in  my  throat,  but  now  I  felt  something  warm  in 
it,  the  choked  sensation  suddenly  gave  way,  and  I  have 
since  been  told  my  voice  from  this  moment  more  resembled 
a  blast  from  a  trumpet  than  any  thing  human.  All  I  am 
conscious  about  it  is  that  my  voice  was  very  loud,  and  1 
experienced  great  rehef  at  the  giving-way  in  my  throat.  I 
believe  I  repeated  the  sentence,  '  Lord,  we  know  that  thou 
hast  saved  them,'  twice ;  the  second  time  louder,  if  possi- 
ble, than  the  first. 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  245 

**  I  remember  now,  for  an  instant,  a  total  blank  in  my 
mind,  when  there  rushed  through  my  soul  a  clear  discern- 
ment of  the  spiritual  condition  of  those  Christians  kneel- 
ing at  the  altar,  who  were  earnestly  desiring  more  close 
union  with  God.  I  remember  seeing  the  condition  of  their 
g-^uls  pictured  almost  as  clearly  before  my  spiritual  eyes  as 
I  ever  saw  a  landscape  in  the  meridian  sun.  I  remember 
praying  for  the  descent  of  the  Spirit  upon  them,  but  can 
not  recollect  the  language  used,  until  I  came  to  this  sen- 
tence, *  Lord,  increase  our  love  to  siimers,  to  Christians, 
and  to  thee.'  These  words  just  escaped  my  lips,  when 
the  loveliness  of  Christ  began  to  dawn  upon  my  mind  with 
inexpressible  sweetness  and  mighty  power.  I  felt  the 
world  suddenly  receding,  and  myself  carried  into  the  ocean 
of  God's  infinite  love.  I  have  a  recollection  of  saying  to 
Christ,  *■  Lord,  we  do  love  thee.'  Then  I  lost  all  con- 
sciousness of  this  world,  and,  1  am  told,  I  fell  back  on  the 
floor  perfectly  silent,  motionless,  and  rigid,  for  some  quar- 
ter of  an  hour,  during  which,  it  is  said,  my  countenance 
shone  with  a  sort  of  phosphoric  light. 

"  While  lying  there  it  seemed  to  me  I  was  out  of  the  body 
and  out  of  the  world.  I  felt  myself  right  in  the  immediate 
presence  of  Christ.  God  and  Christ  blended  in  one.  I 
realized,  with  the  most  vivid  clearness,  the  infinite  loveli- 
ness, goodness,  worthiness,  sweetness,  and  glory  of  Christ 
My  soul  was  ravished  with  the  view  and  filled  with  in- 
tensest  love.  I  realized  Christ  was  a  spirit,  and  that  I  was 
viewing  him  spiritually.  At  the  same  time  there  seemed 
to  be  a  mysterious,  a  mystic  veil,  which  prevented  my  soul 
frcm  gazing  directly  upon  the  blessed  Jesus.  O  how  my 
soul  fluttered,  and  panted,  and  struggled  to  break  through 
tliis  screen,  which  seemed  so  very  thin  and  so  easy  to  be 
pierced  !  Blessed  be  God  !  I  have  the  glorious  assurance 
that  the  time  is  near  when  that  veil  shall  be  rent,  this  gaz- 
ing at  Christ  through  a  glass  darkly  shall  be  forever  done, 
%.nd  I  'shall  see  his  face.'    Glory  be  to  God  ! 


246         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  C07T. 

"Toward  the  last  part  of  the  time  I  was  lying  there,  my 
soul  filled  with  a  mighty  a'nd  sweet  assurance  of  my  own 
salvation.  Nothing  doubtful  now.  No  more  faint 'hopes,' 
trembling  behefs,  hesitating  trusts,  that  I  was  saved.  All 
is  now  glorious  certainty.  It  is  a  positive  knowledge  that 
I  am  accepted  of  God.  O,  how  this  bursts  upon  me ! 
'T  was  like  the  glare  of  the  noonday  sun.  My  friends  tell 
me  I  here  shouted  awfully  loud  such  sentences  as  these  : 
'My  own  dear  Savior,  I  am  thine  !'  '  1  know  I  am  thine  !' 
'I  know  I  shall  dwell  with  tliee  forever!'  'I  know  I  .shall 
sing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb!'  'O  my  glorious 
Redeemer  !'  'Thou  art  mine  !' 

"  After  some  twenty  minutes  this  view  of  Christ  partially 
passed  away  and  I  opened  my  eyes.  I  remember,  as  I 
looked  around,  a  strange,  confused  feeling  came  over  me 
for  a  moment,  and  I  asked,  '  Where  am  I  V  and  '  How 
came  I  here  ?'  A  dear  broiher  replied,  '  The  Lord  put  you 
here.'  Thus  it  flashed  back  into  my  soul  that  I  had  been 
passing  through  a  most  blissful  experience  of  a  revelation 
of  Christ  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  I  was  helped  upon  my  feet 
and  walked  around,  shaking  hands  with  those  dear  broth- 
ers and  sisters,  until  some  one  began  a  hymn  which  the 
Holy  Spirit  powerfully  applied  to  my  soul.  I  could  not 
contain  myself,  but  began  to  shout  at  the  extreme  power 
of  my  lungs,  during  which  I  sank  again  on  the  floor,  and 
fi)r  some  twenty  minutes  more  enjoyed  the  same  sweet 
revelations  of  the  blessed  Jesus  which  I  had  passed.  I 
then  walked  about  shaking  hands  with  the  Christians  a 
few  minutes,  when  there  came  over  me  an  overwhelming 
desire  to  pray.  The  great  desire  now  of  my  heart  was 
hat  I  might  be  made  mighty  to  win  souls.  And  standing 
there  before  the  rail,  I  remember  I  yielded  myself  to 
tiiis  overpowering  influence,  and  prayed  nntil  I  could  not 
make  a  sound,  and  sank  exhausted  into  the  arms  of  some 
brothers  around. 

"There  are  some  things  i^  that  prayer  wliicli  1  di.slinctlY 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  247 

remember.  I  realized  I  was  talking  face  to  face  with  God 
and  the  manifestation  of  his  presence  was  so  strong  that 
it  seemed  my  soul  would  leave  the  body.  I  had  a  distinct 
knowledge  that  that  invisible,  mysterious  power  whicli  was 
pouring  the  truth  like  lightning  into  my  mind,  was  the 
*  Holy  Spirit.'  This  knowledge  was  so  distinct,  so 
definite,  and  powerfully  impressed,  that  I  could  not  refrain 
giving  utterance,  as  loudly  as  possible,  to  this  sentence,  '  O 
God,  thou  knowest  thine  Holy  Spirit  is  now  making  inter- 
cession in  my  soul.'  And  as  I  said  these  words  I  felt  as 
if  I  was  breaking  away  from  this  body  and  going  into  God. 
My  desires  were  of  the  intensest  degree.  The  sensibility 
is  so  correlated  with  the  intellect,  that  the  intellect  deter- 
mines and  governs  the  action  of  the  emotional  nature. 
The  objects  for  which  I  prayed  came  so  clearly  into  my 
mind  that  my  emotions  necessarily  rose  to  a  tremendous 
pitch,  so  much  so  tliat  all  through  this  prayer  I  felt  my  soul 
was  being  rent  or  bursting.  I  also  realized  a  distinct 
assurance  in  the  prayer  that  every  thing  was  granted  me 
for  Avhich  1  prayed.  O,  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul,  and  all 
within  me  bless  his  holy  name  !  The  assurance  was  just 
as  powerful  as  the  desire. 

"  The  present  effects  of  this  experience  may  also  be  noted. 
This  world  seems  to  me  a  new  world.  The  old  heaven 
and  the  old  earth  seem  passed  away.  All  nature  seems  a 
friend  to  me.  The  sun  looks  down  affectionately,  and  the 
shining  of  the  moon  seems  so  sweetly  gentle  and  tender. 
I  love  all  nature.  The  trees  and  stones  call  emotions  from 
my  heart.  They  are  my  Father's.  They  are  the  handi- 
work of  my  Savior.  The  fear  of  man  is  perfectly  annihi- 
lated. My  heart  has  been  accustomed  to  tremble  and 
flutter  under  some  circumstances.  There  is  nothing  of 
that  now.  All  is  serene,  peace,  pure,  perfect.  My  soul  is 
filled  with  love  toward  all  men.  My  love  for  the  Bible  is 
powerfully  increased,  and  my  understanding  of  it  much 
moie  clear  than  it  was.     My  experience  in  prayer  is  nov< 


248        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

entirely  changed ;  in  prayer  I  now  find  Jesus,  and  realize 
that  I  am  talking  with  him.  Spiritual  things  affect  me 
now  with  new  power. 

"  This  experience  was  from  God.  Every  Christian  can 
see  this  at  once.  It  did  not  come  from  the  devil.  'By 
their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.'  It  was  not  merely  a 
frenzy  of  animal  excitement.  The  meeting  that  evening 
was  very  calm  and  unemotional.  My  disposition  of  mind 
is  naturally  sedate,  quiet,  void  of  deep,  excited  feeling,  not 
easily  aroused.  In  fact,  I  have  found  my  nature  so  slow  to 
be  aroused,  that  I  have  suffered  some  in  mind,  whether  I 
should  be  able  to  present  truth  with  sufficient  feeling  and 
power.  The  first  thing  I  was  conscious  of  in  the  experi- 
ence was  that  truth  was  being  powerfully  presented  to  my 
mind.  Clear  views  of  truth  came  before  or  into  my  intel- 
lect. This  truth  was  of  the  most  spiritual  nature.  It  was 
the  character  of  Christ  and  God  united  in  one.  The 
divinity  of  Christ  (I  never  doubted  il)  was  distinctly  re- 
vealed to  me  that  night.  I  saw  God  in  Christ.  I  saw 
the  character  of  God  revealed  through  Christ.  Christ  is 
divine.  Behold  this,  ye  Unitarians  and  Spiritualists  ! 
'Behold  this,  and  wonder  and  perish.'  yesus  Christ  is 
the  '  true  God.'  '  No  man  cometh  to  the  Father  but 
by  him.'" 

While  here  a  precious  young  man  was  con- 
verted, who,  during  the  Summer,  proved  conclu- 
sively the  necessity  of  being  always  ready  for 
that  change  awaiting  all  mankind.  While  the 
revival  was  in  progress  at  Greenfield,  Mass., 
Clarence  Smith  called  on  one  of  the  young  lady 
converts,  and  asked, 

"  Carrie,  would  you  like  to  visit  and  spend  the 
Sabbath  with  sister  Van  Cott  V 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  249 

With  love  in  her  heart  for  her  spiritual  mother, 
she  exclaimed,  with  joy,  "  Indeed,  I  would  !" 

'*  Be  ready,  then,  en  Saturday,  at  two,  P.  M. 
I  will  be  here,  and  we  will  go.  Be  sure  and  be 
ready,  as  it  is  a  long  drive,  and  we  shall  need 
all  of  our  time  in  order  to  reach  the  place  for 
evening  meeting.  Won't  she  be  surprised  to 
see  us  T 

"  Indeed,  she  will." 

"  Now,  do  n't  fail,  Carrie,"  and,  turning  away, 
said,  "  I  am  so  happy  in  my  soul  to-day !" 

Being  obliged  to  cross  a  river  in  a  small  boat, 
by  some  means  it  was  upset,  and,  in  less  than 
twenty  minutes  from  the  time  he  parted  with 
Carrie,  Clarence  Smith  was  drowned.  But  his 
last  words  and  the  record  of  a  short  Christian 
life  said  "for  him  to  die  was  gain." 

At  Windsor  Locks  a  new  and  inviting  field 
was  offered  and  gladly  accepted.  Among  the 
converts  were  fifty  children,  who  were  taken  in 
charge  by  a  lady,  herself  lately  converted  to  God. 
Each  Saturday  they  met  in  their  class-room,  and 
their  earnest  prayers  and  sweet,  touching  test'- 
monies  were  full  of  child-like  faith  in  Jesus. 

In  May,  by  the  earnest  request  of  the  pastor, 

she   visited    Shelburne    Falls,    and    toiled    eight 

weeks    without    much    fruit.     Very   few    of    the 

Church  members   had  been  accustomed   to   take 

19 


250        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

part  in  the  public  meeting,  only  some  three  or 
four,  unless  called  upon, 

"  I  guess  we  shall  have  to  get  down  to  the 
roots,"  said  the  pastor. 

"  O,  no,  brother,  we  must  get  under  the  roots  ** 
was  Mrs.  Van  Cott's  reply. 

The  Church  had  been  too  much  under  the 
influence  of  the  world,  and  the  outside  pressure 
had  kept  it  crushed  down.  Learning  these  facts, 
she  declared  that  she  would  not  leave  the  place 
until  the  Church  was  able  to  stand  alone,  strong 
in  the  Lord  of  hosts.  The  work  soon  started 
forward.  Several  men  of  ripe  years  bowed  for 
the  first  time  before  the  throne  of  grace,  were 
soundly  converted,  and  became  pillars  in  the 
Church. 

One  Sabbath,  while  many  strangers  were  pres- 
ent in  the  church,  one  middle-aged  man  was  asked, 

"  Do  you  love  Jesus  r 

"  I  can  not  say  that  I  do,"  was  the  gentlemanly 
answer. 

"  Do  n't  you  think  you  ought  to  love  him,"  she 
continued,  "knowing  what  great  things  he  has 
done  for  you  V 

"  I  suppose  it  is  right." 

"  No,  you  do  n't  *  suppose,  you  know  it  is  right, 
and  your  bounden  duty.  Come  to  Jesus  just 
now." 


W  NE  W  ENGLAND.  25 1 

"  No,  I  can  not ;  you  pray  for  me." 

"  Will  you  kneel  here  with  me  ?" 

To  this  he  again  replied,  *'  I  Jan  not,"  and  the 
tears  began  to  flow  freely.  His  heart  was  sorely 
troubled. 

She  kneeled  in  the  aisle  and  prayed  earnestly 
fur  him,  while  he  groaned  in  spirit. 

Moses  Darling  was  an  earnest  seeker  after 
eternal  life,  and  in  a  few  days  Christ  took  full 
possession  of  his  heart.     His  testimony  ran  thus : 

"  I  have  been  called  by  my  companions  the 
bully  euchre  player  of  Greenfield  ;  but  now,  God 
helping  me,  I  mean  to  be  known  as  an  earnest 
Christian  and  a  worker  for  Jesus." 

One  evening,  with  a  heart  full  of  Christian 
zeal,  he  went  to  one  of  his  companions  and 
asked  him  to  come  to  Jesus.     The  man  replied 

"  You  had  better  wait  until  you  get  religioi? 
enough  to  have  a  clean  mouth  before  you  talk 
of  the  pure  blood  of  Jesus." 

He  had  been  a  slave  to  that  mean,  low,  vulgar^ 
nasty  habit  of  chewing  tobacco,  and  the  sinner 
thought,  as  every  person  who  has  a  spark  of 
neatness  must  think,  that  such  filth  as  a  swine 
would  detest,  rolling  in  his  mouth  would  certainly 
unfit  him  for  telling  of  the  holy,  sanctifying  love 
of  Jesus. 

The  rebuke  was  well-timed.     Brother  Darling 


252          MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTOX  VAN  COTT. 

returned  sorrowing  to  the  altar,  bowed,  and  there 
solemnly  vowed  that  if  this  debarred  him  from 
working  efficiently  for  Christ  he  would  there  and 
then  give  it  up  forever.  The  way  of  duty  was 
plain,  and  for  many  days  he  struggled  with  this 
besetting  sin,  crying,  "  I  '11  die,  but  not  yield  and 
be  a  slave  again."  At  last  he  was  able,  through 
Christ,  to  overcome  the  bad  habit,  and  was  com- 
pletely victorious  in  leading  one  by  one  of  his 
companions  to  the  Savior. 

As  the  majority  of  the  people  worked  in  the 
factories,  it  was  impossible  to  have  "  afternoon 
meetings,"  and  so  a  new  arrangement  was  made. 
Many  could  attend  for  half  an  hour  between 
twelve  and  one,  and  the  half-past  twelve  meeting 
was  continued  for  nearly  a  year.  Some  thought 
it  a  foolish  undertaking  at  first,  but  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  offered  a  little  prophecy  as  she  remarked, 
"  Before  we  have  held  the  meetings  one  week 
there  will  be  fifty  in  attendance."  On  the  fourth 
day  one  hundred  and  twelve  were  present,  and 
eleven  seeking  Jesus. 

Men  with  their  smoky,  dusty,  oily  clothes  felt 
ashamed  at  first  to  come,  but  a  remark  dropped 
at  one  time  satisfied  them  completely :  *'  Of  your 
working-garb  I  care  but  little.  While  I  love 
neatness,  still  I  love  purity  of  soul  far  better. 
Do    not    think   of  your   soiled    clothes   and    how 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  253 

they  may  affect  me — I  know  they  are  necessarily 
so  in  your  daily  duties — but  think  of  your  un- 
clean hearts  and  Jesus." 

Among  the  crowd  was  a  gentleman  of  dignified 
appearance,  who  seldom  failed  to  be  at  church  in 
the  evening.  Directed  by  some  lady,  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  spoke  to  him  as  they  were  passing  out  of 
the  vestibule  one  evening,  and  found  that  he  was 
inclined  to  the  dangerous  doctrine  of  Universal- 
ism,  and  yet  desiring  to  know  the  true  way  to 
heaven;  satisfied  that  he  was  not  prepared  to 
meet  his  God  in  peace,  and  that  there  was  prep- 
aration necessary  to  be  a  Christian,  but  he  could 
not  understand  the  way.  He  was  urged  to  pray, 
and  others  remembered  him  to  the  mercies  of 
the  Redeemer. 

She  overheard  a  casual  remark  Hke  this  :  "  If 
there  is  any  thing  in  this  save  excitement,  Mr. 
Wilder  will  try  it."  This  aroused  a  determina- 
tion to  do  all  in  her  power  to  save  him. 

As    they  were   coming   from   the   church   one 

evening,  she  said,  "  Young  man,  you  stand  in  the 

way  of  a  score  of  immortal  souls,"  and  passed  on. 

At  the  close  of  the  "  noon  meeting  "  next  day 

he  remarked, 

"  I  think  you  owe  me  an  apology  for  the  remark 
you  rriade  last  night." 

"  Do  you  ?"  she  answered.     "A  lady  should  be 


254        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

ever  ready  to  apologize  for  any  rudeness.  And 
now,  sir,  I  apologize.  Young  man,"  she  ex- 
claimed, in  deep  earnestness,  "in  the  name  of 
God  I  declare  you  stand  in  the  way  of  tzvo  scores 
of  souls,  and  I  am  praying  to  God  to  take  you 
out  of  the  way  by  converting  your  precious  soul ! 
There,  sir,  does  that  apology  suit  you !  It  is  the 
best  I  can  do." 

"That  is  no  apology  at  all,  madam,"  he  an- 
swered. 

"  It  is  all  I  can  give.  And  now,  let  me  beg  of 
you,  turn  to  God  while  you  may." 

"  I  should  like  to  talk  with  you  on  the  subject," 
he  continued,  as  they  walked  together  toward  the 
parsonage.  Arriving  at  the  gate,  and  before  he 
turned  away,  "  Mrs.  Van  Cott,"  said  he,  "  you 
would  like  to  have  me  go  to  that  altar,  and  then 
you  could  say,  'there  is  Mr.  W. ;  he  was  con- 
verted while  I  was  at  that  place  !'  " 

"Stop,  young  man" — she  spoke  very  de- 
cidedly— "you  mistake  me;  I  care  nothing  for 
such  an  idea,  but  I  do  care  for  your  immortal 
soul ;  and,  I  pray  you,  seek  Jesus." 

"  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  I  will  never  bow  at  a  Method- 
ist altar ;  I  will  not  speak  in  a  Methodist  church  ; 
but  I  do  wish  I  knew  the  right  of  the  matter." 

"  Do  you  feel  that  you  lack  wisdom  ?" 

"  Yes." 


IN  NE  W  ENG  LAND.  255 

**  Then  ask  of  God  ;  he  will  give  wisdom,  grace, 
and  glory." 

They  parted  with  promises  to  look  heavenward 
for  direction,  and  she  with  a  determination  to  ask 
the  Lord  to  cut  the  work  short  in  righteouness. 
A  few  days  passed,  and  the  evidence  was  given 
her  from  heaven  that  he  would  yield  to  be  saved. 
On  reaching  the  noonday  meeting  she  groaned 
in  spirit,  saying,  "  Let  it  be  done  now,  Lord,  now ; 
and  if  that  young  man  comes  in  at  this  hour,  help 
him  to  give  up  all  for  thee." 

A  brief  exhortation,  a  hymn,  and  while  she 
again  urged  penitents  to  come  to  the  altar,  he 
entered  the  room,  came  directly  forward,  dropped 
his  hat  inside  the  altar,  and  kneeled  in  prayer. 
The  faithful  ones  joined  faith,  and  sent  up  ear- 
nest supplications  in  his  behalf  At  the  close  of 
the  half-hour  he  arose,  saying, 

"  I  am  not  yet  a  converted  man,  but  intend  to 
be,  by  the  help  of  God  !     Pray  for  me." 

In  the  evening  he  came  forward  with  the  other 
mourners,  but,  for  want  of  room,  was  ob];r;ed  to 
kneel  inside  of  the  hand-railing,  where,  by  and  by 
God  sweetly  blest  his  soul,  and  gave  him  to  know 
that  there  was  power  in  the  name  of  Jesus  lo 
remove  prejudices,  strengthen  faith,  and  convert 
the  heart.  He  told  the  congregation  how  inuig- 
nant  he  had  been  when  informed  that  he  st'/  d  in 


2S6         MRS.  MA GGIE  NE  WTON  VA N  CO 7 X 

the  way  of  others,  but  now,  being  assured  of  the 
truth  of  the  warning,  he  earnestly  entreated  sin- 
ners to  come  and  seek  the  Savior. 

The  next  evening  he  led  his  trembling  wife  to 
ihe  altar,  and  as  her  trusting  spirit  sank  into  the 
arms  of  Jesus,  joy  and  gladness  came. 

"  I  will  try,"  said  she,  "  to  be  an  earnest  Chris- 
tian, God  being  my  helper." 

There  was  a  great  change  in  that  house,  where 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  often  found  a  resting  place  when 
weary  and  worn  from  the  strife  against  sin.  Mr. 
Joseph  H.  Wilder  was  appointed  leader  of  Shel- 
burne  Falls  Praying  Band,  and,  though  sorely 
grieved  at  first,  yet  afterward  consented,  and 
found  his  true  sphere  of  Christian  labor.  The 
noble  band  of  praying  ones  visited,  by  invitation, 
many  outposts,  and  God  honored  the  efforts  in 
the  conversion  of  souls. 

The  Methodists  at  Conway,  Mass.,  had  given  up 
the  struggle  of  a  feeble  existence,  and  had  united 
with  the  Congregationalists,  for  the  time  being. 
The  Praying  Band  received  their  invitation,  vis- 
ited the  place,  and  held  their  first  meeting  in  a 
private  house.  This  was  soon  too  small,  and  the 
Town  Hall  was  opened.  The  old  Methodist  fire 
was  rekindled  in  the  hearts  of  many,  so  that  in 
less  than  ten  months  a  Methodist  pastor  was  sent 
there  by  the  Conference,  and  a  nice  church  was 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  257 

in  course  of  erection.  Nor  did  the  Praying  Band 
stop  at  this.  Of  the  scores  of  meetings  held,  and 
the  numbers  awakened,  the  Book  of  Life  alone 
records. 

The  individual  cases  of  remarkable  conversions 
yere  many  and  striking.  Some  were  taken  from 
the  whirlpool  of  intemperance,  others  from  infidel- 
ity ;  and  the  glorious  revival  at  Shelburne  Falls 
touched  every  grade  of  society.  She  was  present 
when  the  greater  number  of  the  candidates  were 
baptized  and  received  into  full  Church  fellowship. 

The  next  place  of  labor  was  Greenfield,  Mass., 
where  God  answered  prayer,  and  many  were  con- 
verted, but  owing  to  improper  care,  the  lambs  of 
the  fold  were  scattered,  and  but  few  remained 
with  the  Church.  This  caused  Mrs.  Van  Cott  no 
little  grief,  but  she  was  conscious  of  having  done 
her  duty  faithfully,  though  the  "Master  was 
grieved  in  the  house  of  his  friends." 

The  good  people  of  Webster,  Mass.,  had  sent 
her  a  strong  invitation  to  assist  them  in  the  war- 
fare against  sin.  Infidelity,  in  its  hardest  form, 
was  there,  and  its  votaries  declared  that  the 
Methodists  were  not  strong  enough  to  support 
her,  and  that  she  would  soon  be  "starved  out." 
She  received  frequent  anonymous  letters  through 
the  post-office,  with  Scripture  texts,  daring  her  to 
preach  from  them.     This  she  did  frequently,  and, 


258         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

though  sometimes  it  was  a  "ragged  shaft,  yet  it 
smote  them  between  the  joints  of  their  harness." 

Tracts  were  scattered  among  the  worshipers, 
and  all  the  powers  of  darkness  arrayed  against  the 
good  work,  yet  it  progressed  gloriously. 

At  one  of  the  afternoon  meetings  a  soldier  of 
ihe  Cross,  just  enlisted,  in  the  exuberance  of  his 
joy,  cried  out,  "  I  have  faith  to  believe  we  shall 
see  fifty  souls  converted  to-night."  A  fearful 
storm  came  on,  and  the  attendance  was  quite 
small,  and  there  seemed  to  be  but  little  inter- 
est in  the  meeting.  The  young  man  looked 
sadly  disappointed ;  but,  remembering  how  many 
times  her  faith  had  been  put  to  the  test,  and 
knowing  that  there  were  several  sinners  in  the 
house,  she  said,  "I  will  not  leave  this  house  to- 
night until  souls  are  converted."  She  requested 
them  to  sing  the  doxology,  and  all  who  so  desired 
were  at  liberty  to  retire.  The  most  of  the  con- 
gregation left,  and  there  seemed  to  be  none  left 
upon  whom  the  Spirit  of  God  was  moving.  While 
they  continued  singing,  four  men  returned,  and  in 
answer  to  an  urgent  appeal,  six  persons  knelt  a*- 
the  altar  ;  two  of  them  were  backsliders.  Before 
midnight  they  were  all  converted,  or  reclaimed. 

One  young  man  arose,  and  shouted  the  praises 
of  God  lustily,  declaring  that,  as  Mary  Magdalene 
had  seven  devils  cast  out  of  her,  he  had  seventy 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  259 

cast  out  of  him.  The  young  soldier  of  the  Cross 
looked  greatly  encouraged,  and  thought  "  the  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done,"  but  was  a  little  perplexed 
at  the  difference  between  the  conversion  of  fifty 
souls  and  the  casting  out  of  seventy  dc^^ils. 

She  again  visited  Windsor  Locks,  Conn.,  and 
found  the  young  converts  faithful  to  their  solemn 
vows.  While  here  the  friends  at  Windsor  begged 
brother  Simpson,  the  pastor  at  the  Locks,  to  spare 
her  to  hold  one  service  for  them.  This  was 
granted,  and,  after  exercises  in  the  church,  and 
assisting  in  handing  down  a  number  of  candi- 
dates for  baptism  at  the  river,  she  took  carriage 
for  Windsor,  The  gentlemanly  young  driver  was 
not  a  Christian,  and  as  she  unfolded  her  luncheon, 
she  asked, 

"  Sammy,  won't  you  eat  with  me  here,  and  then 
prepare  to  eat  with  me  at  the  Supper  of  the  Lamb 
in  glory .?" 

"  I  am  not  hungry,"  he  replied. 

"  Now,  Sammy,  if  you  are  not  hungry  for  the 
bread  that  perishes,  do  n't  you  long  for  the  living 
bread,  *  of  which  if  any  man  eat  he  shall  live  for- 
ever .?'  " 

*'  Yes  ;  I  should  like  to  be  a  Christian ;  but  no 
man  can  live  a  Christian  at  the  Locks." 

"  I  do  n't  believe  a  word  of  it,  my  child,  be- 
cause God  is  able  to  keep  all  we  commit  to  his 


26o         MRS.  :.I AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

hands.  Now  if  you  will  only  test  this,  you  will 
find  his  word  is  sure.  Try  it,  please,  for  your 
soul's  sake,  and  for  Jesus'  sake." 

Thus  passed  the  hour,  and  they  were  soon  at 
the  church.  As  usual,  before  closing,  she  invited 
sinners  to  the  altar,  and  the  first  one  that  came 
was  the  precious  young  man.  His  trusting  soul 
soon  rested  on  the  promises  of  the  Lord,  and  he 
was  joyously  saved. 

"  Do  you  feel  that  you  are  saved  T  asked  Mrs. 
Van  Cott. 

"  O,  yes,"  was  the  firm  reply. 

"  Will  you  dare  tell  it  at  the  Locks .?"  she  asked. 

"  I  will  tell  it  every-where." 

"  Will  you  come  to  the  altar  to-night,  and  in 
the  presence  of  the  congregation,  declare  what 
God  has  done  for  your  soul  .'*" 

"  I  will,  God  helping  me." 

Afterward  she  said,  "  By  your  permission  I  will 
ride  home  with  Mr.  John  Anderson,  and  try  to 
win  his  soul  for  Christ." 

"  Do,  and  I  will  talk  with  the  man  who  will  ride 
with  me,"  he  replied,  with  a  determination  to  go 
to  work  immediately  for  his  Master. 

They  started.  It  was  a  most  lovely  sunset ; 
the  radiant  heavens  shone  forth  the  resplendent 
glories  of  the  Creator,  and  her  enraptured  soul 
could  but  magnify  Him  who  reveals  so  much  of 


IN  NE W  ENGLAND.  26 1 

heaven  to  mortals  below.  She  asked,  "  Sir,  do  n't 
that  sight  draw  your  soul  to  think  of  the  glories 
God  has  laid  up  for  the  faithful  ?  And  do  you 
*  Long  to  be  there,  and  its  glories  share  ?'  " 

"Yes;  I  do  desire  to  go  to  heaven,"  answered 
Mr.  A. 

"  WJiy,  then,  do  n't  you  prepare  for  it  ?" 

*'  O,  so  many  people  profess  religion,  but  do  n't 
live  it." 

"  My  dear  sir,  is  that  any  thing  to  you  1  You 
have  not  to  answer  for  their  sins,  but  for  your 
own.  If  all  the  world  goes  to  perdition,  will  that 
do  you  any  good,  or  make  the  pangs  of  perdition 
less  severe  .'*" 

"  No  ;  but  then  if  others  do  n't  hold  out,  why,  I 
might  fail  too  ;  and,  as  true  as  you  live,  I  had 
rather  die  than  be  a  backslider." 

"  That 's  royal,  so  far  as  it  goes  ;  but  if  the  devil 
can  hold  you  just  there  until  death,  you  will  go 
down  to  inevitable  ruin,  with  all  these  good  inten- 
tions, only  to  hear  his  fiendish  laugh  of  contempt 
at  your  folly.  Now  be  wise,  and  give  your  soul 
to  God,  who  is  able  to  save,  willing  to  save,  and 
will  save,  just  as  soon  as  you  are  willing  to  be 
saved." 

"  O,  1  am  willmg  now,"  he  remarked,  "  if  I  only 
thought  I  could  live  it,  but  I  am  so  afraid." 

"  Do  not  fear ;  only  trust  God." 


262         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

He  promised  to  pray ;  and  a  few  days  after,  he 
gave  his  soul  into  the  hands  of  a  covenant-keep- 
ing God. 

The  conversion  of  John  Anderson  sent  a  thrill 
of  joy  through  the  Church,  and  when  he  made  a 
public  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  at  the  Meth- 
odist altar,  it  was  clear  and  decisive. 

After  a  year's  absence,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  visited 
that  church  again,  and  found  the  converts  "  cling- 
ing to  the  Cross,"  and  pressing  nearer  to  God,, 
exemplifying  the  power  of  Jesus,  which  is  able  to 
keep,  as  well  as  save. 

One  week  was  spent  at  North  Manchester, 
Conn.  Forty  precious  souls  professed  conver- 
sion, and  the  good  pastor,  Rev.  G.  W.  Fuller,  a 
man  of  God,  full  of  zeal  and  the  Holy  Spirit, 
pressed  the  young  soldiers  into  the  work,  and  the 
Church  was  greatly  strengthened. 

At  Meriden,  Conn.,  Rev.  John  Pegg,  pastor, 
she  spent  four  weeks  of  successful  labors.  Over 
one  hundred  were  brought  from  darkness  into 
light.  Many  of  them  were  prominent  citizens  of 
the  place. 

The  question  was  asked,  one  Sabbath  evening, 
*  Is  there  one  soul  that  would  have  me  pray  for  it 
to-night  in  my  closet .''"  A  young  man  in  the 
gallery  raised  his  hand.  As  she  passed  him,  in 
^oing  from  the  audience-room,  she  said : 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  263 

"  Dear  child,  pray  to  God  to  give  you  a  clean 
heart." 

"  I  will  pray,"  he  answered,  with  Swedish  accent. 

The  next  night  he  was  made  happy  in  Jesus, 
and  became  one  of  those  firm,  rock -abiding 
Christians. 

Another  case :  A  lady,  with  a  sweet,  winning 
face,  tarried  a  little  behind  the  rest,  when  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  said,  "  God  bless  you !" 

She  was  touched,  and  melted  to  tears,  but  an- 
swered, *'  Why  should  he  bless  me  t  I  have 
turned  away  from  his  offered  love ;  I  am  not 
worthy  of  his  love ;  but,  O,  I  want  it ;  I  must 
have  it ;  it  is  just  what  I  need !     I  will  seek  it." 

At  home  with  her  husband  they  talked  over 
their  duty,  and  kneeled  before  God  in  prayer. 
The  everlasting  arms  were  underneath  them,  and 
they  were  sweetly  blest.  They  grew  rapidly  in 
grace,  and  became  conscious  of  the  "  fullness  of 
the  Gospel  of  peace." 

Another  was  a  lady,  who  had  once  experienced 
this  great  blessing,  but,  led  by  professed  friends, 
had  embraced  an  erroneous  doctrine,  and  was 
cast  into  midnight  darkness  and  tossed  about  as 
a  ship  without  rudder  or  compass.  She  came 
forward  for  prayers,  but  seemed  to  make  little 
progress,  more  than  to  say,  "  I  am  trying  to  be 
lieve  ;  I  am  trying,  trying." 


264        MJ^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

At  this  point  many  linger  in  anguish.  At  once 
she  was  instructed  that,  having  tried,  and  done 
all  that  God  required,  and  that  she  cotild  do,  it 
was  for  her  to  rest  believingly  in  Ch/ist. 

If  persons  coming  to  God  would  only  believe 
"  that  he  is,"  and,  as  his  immutable  Word  declares 
him  to  be,  "a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently 
seek  him,"  how  soon  they  might  find  rest  in  his 
love ! 

To  those  present  Mrs.  Van  Cott  urged,  "  Do  n't 
try  to  trust  God's  Word,  but  do  it,  and  peace  will 
be  yours."     They  did  so,  and  were  blest. 

A  young  man,  on  reaching  his  boarding  place, 
was  asked,  "  Were  you  at  the  meetings  V 

"  Yes,"  he  replied,  "  and  stayed  until  they  be- 
gan to  raise  the  devil,  and  then  I  left."  About  a 
week  after  he  was  found  at  the  altar  of  prayer, 
and,  after  a  severe  struggle,  found  peace.  His 
testimony  was  : 

"  Bless  God !  he  has  raised  the  devil  out  of  me, 
and  given  me  his  Son  to  fill  my  heart.  I  am 
saved !"  His  face  beamed  with  joy,  and  his  her- 
itage a  "  rest  of  faith." 

There  wa*s  one  over  whom  she  had  a  severe 
struggle  of  soul.  It  seemed  impossible  for  hirn 
to  lay  his  proud  heart  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross. 
One  Sabbath  she  kneeled  by  his  side  in  church, 
and  prayed  earnestly,  weeping,  and   begging  of 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  265 

God  to  help  him  just  then.  To  one  of  her  in- 
quiries he  answered, 

"  I  will  settle  the  matter  to-day,  and  make  the 
choice ;  only  please  do  n't  weep,  you  make  me  feel 
so  sad." 

'*  Settle  it,  then,  dear  brother,  before  the  close 
of  the  evening  meeting,"  she  urged. 

"I  must  settle  it,"  said  he,  ''now,  or  I  am  un- 
done.    O,  pray  for  me !" 

The  Spirit  of  God  had  touched  his  heart,  and 
awakened  him  to  a  sense  of  his  immediate  salva- 
tion. He  arose,  and  with  him  came  his  wife. 
They  kneeled  at  the  altar,  prayed,  believed, 
trusted,  and  were  saved.  On  a  beautiful  Christ- 
mas-gift, which  he  presented  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott, 
was  this  motto  engraved,  "  They  that  sow  in  tears 
shall  reap  in  joy  ^ 

A  poor,  distressed  wife  came  to  the  altar, 
pleading  with  God  for  her  husband.  As  the 
weeping  ones  arose  from  their  knees,  near  where 
"Lizzie"  had  kneeled,  on  the  hand-railing  was  a 
large  tear-drop  ;  in  fact,  it  was  not  one,  but  a  num- 
ber mingled  together.  The  thought  was  sug- 
gested to  the  leader,  Are  not  those  tears  bottled, 
and  registered  for  glory  t  A  short  time  after- 
ward, the  husband,  the  subject  of  so  many  prayers 
and  tears,  came  and  kneeled  at  the  same  spot,  was 
accepted  of  God,  and  when  the  probationers  were 


266         MKS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

received,  he  was  among  the  number,  standing 
where  he  was  converted  ;  and,  after  eight  months, 
when  the  faithful  candidates  were  received  into 
full  membership,  he  came  to  the  same  spot  again. 
This  happy  coincidence  caused  no  little  joy, 
and  was  treasured  up  among  the  bright  memories. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


VICTORIES    IN    THE   WEST. 


EPEATED  invitations  came  for  Mrs. 
Van  Cott  to  visit  the  West.  She  left 
I  the  East  in  December,  1870,  with  its 
mountains,  valleys,  and  picturesque  scenery,  for 
the  city  of  Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin.  The  part- 
ings, the  tears,  the  waving  of  hands  as  the  train 
left  Jersey  City,  soon  made  her  sad  and  lonely. 
Over  those  distant  hills,  fading  so  rapidly,  lin- 
gered memories  of  childhood,  and  one  spot  was 
more  dear  than  all — the  snow-clad  grave. 

And  then  the  great  city  where  she  was  con- 
verted, the  mission  v/ith  the  many  poor  souls 
wondering  why  she  was  gone  so  long,  and  the 
loved  child,  now  grown,  and  whose  heart  another 
had  won,  all  combined  to  depress  her  spirit. 

That  sweet  hymn  aHorded  a  new  thought — 

"  The  consecrated  cross  I  '11  bear, 
Till  death  shall  set  me  free ; 
And  then  go  home,  my  crown  to  wear, 
Ym  there  's  a  crown  for  me." 

167 


268        MRS.  MAGGIE   NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

At  the  word  Iioine  the  tears  gushed  out  afresh. 
Father-in-law,  mother-in-law,  child,  husband,  all 
the  home  group  scattered  and  gone!  She  was 
alone,  among  total  strangers,  and  going  ivJiere  all 
were  strangers,  save  Rev.  W.  H.  Daniels,  of  Clark- 
Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Chicago,  from 
whom  she  had  received  her  first  invitation  to  the 
great  Vv^est,  but  who  had  kindly  waived  his  claim 
to  the  pastor  of  Fond  du  Lac,  for  her  to  lal)or 
there  before  coming  to  Chicago. 

As  the  morning  express  left  Chicago  and  pushed 
out  over  the  snow-bound  prairies,  the  keen  cutting 
air  weaving  its  magic  frost-work  on  the  car  win- 
dows, from  the  congealing  breath  of  the  iron- 
horse,  and  no  clump  of  trees  or  mountain  to 
break  the  "dreary  wilderness  plain,"  she  sighed 
for  the  New  England  hills  again. 

Night  settled  down  before  reaching  the  place 
of  her  destination,  and  on  entering  the  depot, 
found  it  empty  ;  not  a  soul  in  the  ladies'  room  to 
receive  her.  As  she  was  about  to  inquire  of  the 
ticket  agent  the  time  of  the  first  train  eastward, 
a  tall  gentleman  came  in  hurriedly,  his  face  all 
beaming  with  gladness.  "  Glad  to  see  you,  sister 
Van  Cott,  glad  to  welcome  you  to  our  great  West, 
and  to  our  city.  Was  a  little  behind,  but  my 
sleigh  is  now  in  waiting.     You  must   be  weary 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST  269 

from   your  long  journey ;   let 's  go   over  to   the 
parsonage." 

In  a  few  moments  the  gentle  wife  of  Dr.  W 
H.  Window  was  assisting  the  lady  evangelist  in 
taking  off  her  wrappings,  and  they  sat  down  to 
spend  a  happy  evening. 

During  evening  devotions,  all  the  past  journey 
and  partings  came  up  fresh  again,  but  as  they 
parted  for  the  night,  the  good  Father  in  Israel 
said,  "  Do  n't  feel  sad,  child  ;  there  are  warm,  lov- 
ing hearts  in  the  West  as  well  as  in  the  Eas... 
God  will  not  only  raise  you  up  friends  here,  but 
he  has  already,  and  any  thing  we  can  do  to  make 
you  happy  shall  be  done."  No  less  attentive  and 
kind  was  the  daughter  than  the  mother  to  all 
the  wants  of  their  guest.  Strangers  came  in  with 
their  warmest  welcome,  bidding  her  Godspeed  in 
the  work  about  to  open  among  them. 

Colton-Street  Church  was  full  that  evening,  but 
the  faces  were  all  strange,  and  she  knew  not  how 
they  would  receive  the  messages  of  salvation  from 
her  lips.  Before  the  exercises  closed,  a  few  mercy 
drops  were  given  in  token  of  the  coming  shower. 
Criticism,  opposition  in  the  Church  and  out  of  it, 
was  rife.  Some  came  to  see,  and  went  away  with 
a  smitten  soul.  Others  would  not  come  so  long 
as  she  was  there,  for  they  had  no  sympathy  with 
a  "woman   preacher."     But    the   spark   of  grace 


270         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

caught  in  the  dry  stubble  and    the  flame   soon 
spread  through  the  city. 

All  denominations  united  simultaneously  in 
their  own  temples,  waving  the  blood-stained  ban- 
ner of  the  Cross,  and  every  standard-bearer  cried, 
*  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away 
the  sins  of  the  world !" 

For  a  while  the  converts  were  from  the  country 
and  adjoining  towns,  but  the  city  was  moved  also. 
The  revival  was  similar  to  hundreds  of  others,  and 
can  only  be  remembered  by  the  incidents  of  the 
occasion.     Of  the  scores  of  these,  we  select  a  few. 

The  young  converts'  meeting  was  generally 
held  just  before  the  public  services  in  the  large 
audience-room.  At  the  close  of  one  of  these  a 
young  man  full  of  religious  joy,  said,  "  I  know  I 
am  converted.  I  '11  tell  you  why.  To-day,  pass- 
ing through  the  street,  a  dog  jumped  on  me  and 
tore  my  new  pants.  A  week  ago  I  would  have 
sworn  at  him,  but,  bless  God !  religion  takes  all 
the  sivear  out  of  a  fellow.  I  never  so  much  as 
thought  of  swearing.  I  am  happy.  O.  there 's  so 
much  glory  in  my  soul." 

The  audience  struck  up  and  sung  with  a  wHl: 

"  Glory  to  God,  I  'm  at  the  fountain  drinking,"  etc. 

The  editor  of  the  Fond  du  Lac  Commonwealth 
being  present  one  evening  at  the  deeply  interest* 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST.  27 1 

ing  exercises,  heard  the  words,  "  Thou  art  the 
man."  In  a  short  editorial  next  day,  he  remarked 
that  the  speaker  had  painted  his  picture  com- 
pletely. This  led  her,  with  many  others,  to  pray 
for  the  "  Colonel."  Several  weeks  rolled  away, 
but  still  the  burden  remained,  and  the  Scriptures 
ever  spoke,  saying,  "  Ask  whatsoever  ye  will,  and 
it  shall  be  done  unto  you."  At  last  the  evidence 
of  faith  was  given.  That  night  J.  A.  Watrous 
and  Frank  Parsons  and  his  wife  bowed  humbly  at 
the  altar  of  God.     The  editor's  testimony  was, 

"  To-day,  at  my  office,  I  decided  for  God." 

It  was  the  same  hour  that  Mrs.  Van  Cott  re- 
ceived the  evidence  of  faith  of  his  acceptance 
with  God. 

Going  through  the  congregation,  she  said  to  an 
elderly  gentleman,  "  Do  you  love  Jesus  ?" 

"  Not  as  you  do,"  was  the  response. 

"  Indeed,  I  do  not  love  him  as  he  should  be 
loved,  but  I  am  doing  the  best  I  can.  Are  you 
doing  so  too  ?"  she  continued. 

"I  guess  not." 

"  Do  you  feel  the  necessity  of  so  doing .?" 

"  Yes,  I  know  it  is  right,  but  I  have  not  got  at 
it  yet." 

"  Do  n't  you  feel  conscious  that  what  you  do 
must  be  done  quickly }  You  have  but  a  few 
years  to  live,  and  there  is  much  for  you  to  do." 


272         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  Yes,  I  know  it.  I  have  many  in  my  family 
who  are  unsaved,  and — " 

"  You  stand  in  their  way.  O,  give  your  heart 
to  God !" 

"Not  to-night." 

The  same  old  sentence  of  procrastination  was 
given  as  a  positive  refusal  to  her  entreaties. 

" '  Not  to-night.'     Well,  when  will  you  yield  .?" 

"  To-morrow." 

"Amen!"  she  cried.  "Brethren,  join  with  me 
in  asking  God  to  spare  the  life  of  this  man  until 
to-morrow  night,  for  he  says  at  that  time  he  will 
yield  to  be  saved." 

The  case  was  one  of  deep  interest  for  her 
and  many  in  the  congregation  who  were  well 
acquainted  with  this  citizen.  The  next  night  he 
was  not  present,  and  they  feared  he  was  ill,  and 
prayer  was  still  offered  in  his  behalf 

The  day  following  was  the  holy  Sabbath.  The 
sun  arose  beautifully,  and  soon  the  cheerful  bells 
called  the  worshipers  to  a  "  love-feast."  Pass- 
ing down  the  aisle,  she  met  the  old  gentleman, 
who  said, 

"'  I  did  not  get  here  last  night,  as  I  promised, 
but  now  you  shall  have  two  instead  of  one.  Wife 
is  coming  with  me." 

Before  one  o'clock  that,  day  those  two  aged 
ones  were  happy  through  faith  in  the  atonement 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST  2/3 

of  Christ.  At  once  their  hearts  yearned  for 
their  family,  and  in  answer  to  prayer  several 
of  their  children  were  converted.  They  opened 
their  home  for  meetings,  and  under  their  roof 
many  souls  were  born  of  the  Spirit. 

One  evening  shortly  after  this  man  was  con* 
verted,  when  called  upon  to  give  his  testimony, 
he  arose  and  handed  Mrs.  Van  Cott  a  note  con- 
taining the  substance,  in  words,  of  his  speech. 
Looking  it  over  hastily,  she  replied, 

"  I  can  not  read  your  testimony ;  you  tell  it." 

He  arose,  made  the  effort,  and  did  remarkably 
well. 

A  young  lady  kneeled  at  the  altar,  sad,  gloomy, 
full  of  fears  and  forebodings,  and,  though  present 
among  the  mourners  for  many  nights,  she  could 
get  no  relief     The  leader  asked, 

"  Georgia,  what  is  the  matter .''  Why  are  you 
not  blessed .?" 

"  There  is  no  blessing  for  me  ;  I  have  been  a 
great  sinner,"  she  replied,  sobbing. 

"  Have  you  remembered,"  said  the  leader,  "  that 
Jesus  is  a  great  Savior,  and  that  he  came  to  save 
the  chief  of  sinners }  Have  you  given  him  your 
heart  .^" 

"  No,  I  am  afraid  not." 

"  Do  it  at  once,  then." 

"I  can't." 


274        ^^^''^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTl 

"  Stop !     Say,    I    won't.     Do  n't   add   to   your 

already  numerous  sins." 

"  I  do  n't  want  to  do  that,  but  there  is  no  use, 
I  can  't  be  saved." 

"  Not  a  word  of  truth  in  it.  You  can  be  saved 
if  you  only  will.  Will  you  give  your  heart  to  the 
Savior  now,  this  moment  .'*" 

A  look  of  inexpressible  woe  swept  over  that 
already  anguished  face,  and  she  groaned  out, 

"  I  can  not." 

"No,  no,"  continued  Mrs.  Van  Cott ;  "say  the 
truth,  '  I  will  not,'  and  then  tell  me  why  you 
will  not." 

"  Because,"  she  answered,  "  he  would  send  me 
among  the  heathen,  and  I  can  not  go." 

"  Believe  me,  child,  that  is  a  trick  of  the  evil 
one.  Give  yourself  to  Jesus,  and  he  will  regulate 
that  according  to  his  infinite  wisdom." 

"  I  can  't,"  she  answered  again  and  again. 

"  Then  please  arise." 

She  did  so. 

"  Now  go  and  sit  down  in  the  pew.  You  can 
never  be  saved  until  you  are  willing  that  God 
should  do  his  will  concerning  you.  I  doubt 
Vvhether  he  would  send  you  to  the  heathen  ;  you 
are  too  willful." 

With  one  heart-rending  burst  of  agony  she 
cried   out,  as  she  fell  again  at  the  altar,  "  I  '11 


VICTORIES  IN  THE   WEST.  2^$ 

never  leave  this  place  until  Jesus  blesses  nie,  if  I 
die  here." 

"Amen!  God  grant  that  all  sin  may  die  in 
you  !"  shouted  Mrs.  Van  Cott. 

Manv  of  the  true  Christians  linked  their  faith 
together,  and  before  midnight  Georgia  Benedict 
received  forgiveness  of  sins  by  sweetly  trusting 
in  Jesus.  "  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy, 
peace."  It  was  thus  manifested  in  her  life.  She 
received,  in  a  few  months,  "  exhorter's  license," 
and  was  very  efficient  in  the  work  of  leading 
souls  to  Christ. 

TJie  Index,  of  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  thus  speaks  of 
Mrs.  Van  Cott's  labors  at  Fond  du  Lac  : 

"Such  simple,  mighty  eloquence,  was  never  heard  be- 
fore ;  it  was  the  outburst  of  Christian  love,  in  the  sweet, 
earnest  tones  of  a  woman's  fiery  pleadings  for  Christ  and 
salvation.  '  Full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost,'  she  would 
leave  the  pulpit,  glide  along  the  aisles,  from  pew  to  pew, 
pleading  with  this  one,  and  reasoning  with  that  one — 
making  the  argument  stronger  by  the  hot  tears  that  were 
falling  from  her  eyes — taking  the  weak  one  by  the  hand 
and  leading  her  up  to  the  altar  of  prayer.  Thus  she  toiled 
and  won  souls  for  Christ.  Seven  weeks  she  labored  thus. 
During  the  seven  weeks  she  preached  52  times,  held  153 
meetings,  spent  347  hours  in  meeting,  mostly  on  her  feet, 
^'15  seekers  professed  the  Savior,  and  nearly  200  joined  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  on  probation,  and,  though  she 
is  gone  to  Oshkosh,  the  work  still  goes  on. 

"The  labors  of  the  past  year,  which,  with  her,  termi-n- 
ated  on  the  i8tli  of  February,  1871,  are  as  follows;    She 


27t>         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  007 T. 

spent  1,766  hours  in  meeting;  2.949  seekers  found  Jesus; 
7,208  miles  traveled ;  650  letters  written ;  828  meetings 
held;  preached  339  times,  and  received  1,735  members  on 
piobation  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

"  Her  wonderful  powers  are  not  from  the  schools,  for  she 
lias  been  a  pupil  in  none  except  the  school  of  Christ  since 
she  was  ten  years  of  age.  She  gets  it  from  Jesus,  for  she 
spends  one-fourth  of  her  waking  hours  in  her  closet,  when 
not  in  church  on  her  knees. 

'•Just  one  hundred  years  from  the  first  planting  of  Amer- 
ican Metliodism,  she  was  licensed  to  preach — the  com- 
mencement of  a  new  era  in  the  Christian  Church. 

"It  presents  woman  in  its  true  sphere — vying  with 
men,  not  in  political  strife,  but  on  the  platform,  as  in  the 
'  Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society,'  and  in  the  pulpit 
winning  souls  for  Christ,  with  the  eloquence  unknown 
since  Pentecost,  and  moving  the  whole  Church  as  it  never 
was  moved  before.  She  has  demonstrated  the  right  of 
woman  to  call  sinners  to  repentance,  feels  that  she  has  her 


The  pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  found 
an  unusual  quickening  among  the  members  and 
attendants  of  his  Church,  and  immediately  gave 
an  opportunity  for  those  who  desired  to  unite 
with  them  in  Church  fellowship.  He  stated  pub- 
licly that  the  fruit  he  was  gathering  came  from 
the  Cotton-Street  Methodist  Church  revival,  and 
that  he  was  glad  to  bid  the  lady  Godspeed  in 
winning  souls  for  Christ. 

Almost  every  Church  in  the  city  received  large 
accessions — even  the  Catholics  were  unusually 
moved.    A  large  delegation  waited  on  their  priest, 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST,  277 

and  asked  him  to  appoint  a  meeting,  and  read  to 
them  the  Bible.  He  turned  them  off  without 
granting  their  request.  Half  a  dozen  or  more 
came  to  the  Protestant  meeting,  were  convicted, 
converted,  and  joined  the  Church.  Praying  bands 
were  formed,  both  male  and  female,  and  the  work 
went  bravely  on. 

The  "  Young  Converts'  Meeting "  became  fa- 
mous for  good,  being  held  several  times  during 
the  week  at  "  outposts,"  and  now  and  then  in 
saloons,  and  places  where  the  minions  of  the  evil 
one  had  a  strong  hold. 

At  Oshkosh,  Wisconsin,  Rev.  W.  P.  Stowe  had 
been  holding  meetings  for  five  weeks  with  good 
success.  Fifty  souls  had  found  the  Lord  in  the 
pardon  of  their  sins  before  Mrs.  Van  Cott  arrived. 
The  field  was  white  for  the  harvest.  The  work 
had  been  mostly  among  the  children  ;  but  some 
of  the  older  ones  stood  aloof,  saying,  "  We  will 
not  go  in  the  midst  of  the  children — it  is  a  trun- 
dle-bed work,  at  best."  The  good  pastor,  not 
willing  to  have  the  "  lambs  of  the  fold  "  harmed, 
joined  with  Mrs.  Van  Cott  in  asking  the  Lord 
how  to  proceed.  At  the  Young  Converts'  meet- 
ing that  evening,  before  the  public  exercises,  she 
asked  all  that  desired  to  work  for  the  Master  to 
hold  up  their  hands.  Up  went  a  score  or  two  of 
little  hands,  and  the  work  took  a  fresh  start.     As 


278         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

soon  as  the  sermon  was  over,  and  the  prayer- 
meeting  begun  in  the  audience-room,  the  young 
converts  passed  out  quietly,  entered  the  lecture- 
room  in  the  basement,  and  commenced  praying 
for  sinners.  In  her  zeal  for  the  cause  of  Christ 
she  forgot  the  children  till  nearly  half-past  nine 
o'clock,  when  the  audience  heard  their  sweet 
voices  below,  singing, 

"  We  're  going  home,  we  're  going  home  ! 
We  're  going  to  die  no  more !" 

It  was  thrilling,  and  the  leader  turned  the  child- 
faith  into  an  arm  of  power  immediately.  The 
young  converts  had  asked  that  twenty  souls  might 
bow  at  the  altar,  and  give  their  hearts  to  God. 
The  meeting  held  till  1 1  o'clock ;  and  a  little 
before  that  time  the  children  came  up  into  the 
audience-room.  On  inquiry  it  was  found  that,  at 
and  near  the  altar,  nearly  a  hundred  persons  had 
bowed  as  seekers  of  pardon,  or  a  deeper  work  of 
grace.  The  sacred  flame  spread  as  fire  among 
dry  stubble.  Afternoon  meetings  were  appointed, 
and  were  unusually  large — the  people  finding  it 
pleasant  to  spend  from  seven  to  ten  hours  in  their 
church  every  day  of  the  revival. 

The  incidents  of  the  meeting  afforded  much 
which  is  worth  remembering. 

A  man  of  seventy-six  years  came  forward  for 
prayers,  and  found  relief  from  his  burden  of  sin. 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST.  2/9 

His  pious  wife  had  walked  alone  in  Christian 
faith  nearly  all  of  her  days.  In  the  light  of  God's 
truth  the  aged  couple  were  very  happy  for  a  sea- 
son ;  but  in  one  month  the  man  of  years  rested 
from  his  toil,  and  slept  in  Christ.  He  was  truly 
a  brand  plucked  from  the  burning. 

One  evening  forty-four  penitents  bowed  at  the 
altar,  seeking  Jesus  in  the  pardon  of  their  sins, 
and,  in  less  than  two  hours,  forty-four  professed 
to  have  found,  then  and  there,  that  for  which  they 
had  been  praying. 

A  dear  little  lady  in  the  audience  seemed  deeply 
moved,  but  could  not  be  induced  to  come  to  the 
altar.  After  many  had  been  converted,  she  con- 
sented to  bow  in  her  pew.  The  next  day  she  went 
to  the  altar,  that  being  to  her  the  stumbling  block. 
As  she  reached  the  place  where  the  penitents  were 
kneeling,  she  cried  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  ''  O  do  n't 
leave  me,  do  n't  leave  me." 

Being  instructed  in  the  way  of  faith,  she  seemicd 
to  follow  quite  readily,  and  was  soon  happy  in 
Jesus'  love,  "  clothed  and  in  her  right  mind." 

As  Mrs.  Van  Cott  entered  the  church  one  even- 
ing a  note  was  placed  in  her  hand,  which  read  thus  : 

*'  Dear  Sister, — My  father  compels  me  to  leave  the 
Church.  I  fear  I  shall  never  see  you  again.  But  do  pray 
for  me. 

•'Yours  in  Jesus, " 


280        ^fRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

Hurriedly  she  wrote  on  the  other  side : 

"  Now  is  the  time  Xo  prove  that  you  have  put  on  Christ 
While  under  this  pressure,  be  meek  and  cheerful  to  all. 
Yes,  prove  that  God's  children  can  be  calm  in  the  severest 
trials.  Be  very  gentle  to  your  father.  I  will  pray  for  yott. 
7  he  Lord  bless  you." 

The  good  advice  was  taken.  She  returned  to 
the  meeting  in  a  few  days,  and  with  her  came  her 
husband,  who  found  joy  and  pardon  at  the  altar 
of.  God. 

The  last  Sabbath  came — "the  last  great  day 
of  the  feast."  The  pastor  opened  the  doors  of 
the  Church  for  all  who  so  desired  to  join  on  a  six 
months'  probation ;  and  if  they  continued  stead- 
fast for  that  length  of  time,  they  should  be  re- 
ceived into  full  membership.  While  the  congre- 
gation was  singing  they  came  forward  and  formed 
a  line  around  the  altar.  This  being  done,  a  sec- 
ond row  was  quickly  made,  and  then  a  third ;  and 
still  they  came. 

The  minister  asked, 

"  What  shall  we  do  .?" 

"  Form  a  row  inside  of  the  altar,"  said  Mrs. 
Van  Cott. 

This  was  done,  and  then  still  another  inside  of 
that,  until  all  who  wanted  to  find  a  home  in  that 
Church  could  thus  be  desigrated  and  give  their 
r.ames  to  the  secretaries  or  the  pastor.     A  word 


VICTORIES  IN  THE  WEST,  28 1 

of  encouragement  was  spoken  to  each  by  the 
pastor  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott.  This  over,  the  oppor- 
tunity v/as  given  for  any  who  desired  baptism  to 
receive  that  solemn  rite. 

Fifty-eight  came  forward,  the  aged  and  the 
young.  The  pastor  read  the  solemn  baptismal 
service  and  they  responded  audibly. 

As  is  usual,  the  minister  asked  for  the  given- 
name  of  each  before  the  immediate  act  of  bap- 
tism ;  and  just  here  a  most  singular  coincidence 
occurred.  The  names  announced  were,  Solomon, 
David,  Joseph,  and  then  Job.  Passing  on  to 
where  a  lady  was  kneeling,  the  name  of  Naomi 
was  heard. 

At  this,  hearts  overflowed  with  joy,  and  shouts 
filled  the  place.  It  was  a  glorious  day's  work ; 
one  hundred  and  eight  persons  had  united  with 
the  Church,  and  fifty-eight  received  the  rite  of 
baptism.  Among  the  number  was  one  of  the 
richest  men  of  the  city,  as  well  as  the  largest 
farmer  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

Monday  she  started  eastward,  but  on  the  way 
must  fill  two  appointments.  The  young  converts 
at  Fond  du  Lac  had  arranged  that  she  should 
not  pass  through  the  city  without  giving  them  a 
call.  The  meeting  was  appointed  at  two  o'clock, 
in  the  church,  and  at  that  unfavorable  hour  of 
Monday,  the  house  was  well  filled.     Several  pas- 


282         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

tors  were  present  representing  their  Churches— 
the  noble  man  of  God  from  the  Congregation- 
alist,  the  Presbyterian  minister,  a  Baptist,  an 
EvangeHst  from  Chicago,  the  German  Methodist, 
tlie  presiding  elder  of  the  Fond  du  Lac  distiict 
and  the  pastor  in  charge. 

A  speaking-meeting  followed,  in  which  all  bore 
excellent  testimonies  of  the  love  of  Christ. 

The  fire  burned  so  brightly  that  the  excellent 
Presbyterian  minister  said,  "  If  this  is  Methodism, 
God  grant  that  we  may  all  become  Methodists 
at  once !" 

Presently  an  invitation  was  given  for  seekers 
to  come  to  the  altar.  Thirty-five  came,  and  in  a 
short  time  received  the  blessing  of  heaven. 

She  had  barely  time  to  reach  the  train  and 
secure  a  ticket  for  Chicago,  where  she  was  to 
lecture  the  next  evening. 

The  morning  after,  the  following  comments 
appealed  in  the  Tribune: 

"A  large  audience  assembled,  last  evening,  in  the 
Clark-Street  Methodist  Church,  to  listen  to  an  address  on 
*  Revival  Scenes  and  Experiences,'  by  Mrs.  Van  Cott. 
The  efforts  of  this  lady  as  a  revivalist  appear  to  have  met 
with  extraordinary  success,  and  these  efforts  have  been 
something  prodigious. 

"The  curiosity  manifested  to  see  and  hear  so  vigorous  a 
laborer  in  the  vineyard,  had  the  effect  of  filling  the  church. 
After  some  soul-inspiring  air  on  the  organ  by  Professoi 
Creswold,  prayer  was  offered  by  Dr.  Fowler. 


VICTORIES  ly  THE  WEST.  283 

"Rev.  W.  H.  Daniels,  in  introducing  the  speaker,  said 
he  had  been  requested  by  -the  sistei'  to  apologize  for  a 
hoarseness  which  afflicted  her,  the  result  of  much  work 
and  many  words,  but  he  felt  sure  they  would  forget  tlie 
apology  as  they  listened  to  her  message. 

"Mrs,  Van  Cott  then  presented  herself.  The  vast  fielj 
of  labor  over  which  she  had  traveled,  and  the  many  words 
she  had  uttered,  did  not  seem  to  have  left  any  traces  ol 
fatigue  on  her  healthy  frame  or  comely  countenance,  ov( » 
which  played  a  good-humored  and  benignant  smile,  which 
at  once  prepossessed  the  audience  in  her  favor.  She  said 
the  brother  reckoned  there  was  no  necessity  to  apologize  for 
her  ho.irseness,  but  she  begged  to  differ  with  him.  Having 
toiled  unceasingly  in  revival  work,  her  voice  had  been  im- 
paired, but  her  heart,  thank  God,  was  still  burning  with 
Jesus'  love,  and  she  trusted  they  would  accept  the  love  of 
her  heart. 

"Here  Mrs.  Van  Cott  paused,  and  addressed  a  brief  in 
vocation  to  God  to  look  down  with  favor  upon  her  labors, 
and  to  bless  them.  She  then  proceeded  to  address  the 
audience. 

"  Presently  the  speaker  turned  abruptly  to  the  reporters' 
table,  and  said  she  hoped  these  gentlemen  would  desist 
from  taking  notes.  It  always  made  her  feel  nervous.  She 
knew  her  speeches  would  look  funny  if  they  were  printed. 
She  did  not  wish  to  say  any  thing,  however,  against  the 
reporters,  God  bless  them  !  '  So  go  along,  gentlemen,  with 
your  notes,  I  do  n't  care.     God  bless  the  reporters.' 

"Several  clergymen  responded  with  a  loud  and  emphatic 
*amtn,'  whereupon  the  audience  took  up  the  burden,  and 
there  was  a  good  deal  of  applause,  the  only  expression  of 
the  kind  indulged  in  during  the  proceedings  ! 

"She  referred  frequently,  and  in  affecting  terms,  to  the 
death  of  the  laie  Mr.  Van  Cott,  and  drew  a  vivid  j)icture 
of  his  death-bed.     Some  of  her  experiences  at  the  mission 


2^4         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

tion  she  recalled  many  touching  incidents  of  conversion, 
•from  wliich  was  drawn  a  useful  morai. 

"  At  the  close  of  her  remarks  a  collection  was  taken  up 
for  the  benefit  of  the  mission  fund.  Mrs.  Van  Cott  said 
she  wanted  $500  from  the  audience  that  night.  The  audi- 
ence did  not  respond  quite  to  that  extent,  but  a  liberal 
donation  was  given." 


CHAPTER   XVI. 


PRESSING   ON. 


T  was  a  great  privilege  for  her  to 
return  to  Meriden,  Conn.,  after  an 
absence  of  seven  months,  and  be 
present  at  the  reception  of  the  pro- 
bationers. There  had  been  a  marked  advance 
in  the  ranks  of  the  young  converts  and  the 
growth  in  grace  was  evidently  mutual.  Pas- 
tor, people,  and  young  soldiers  testified  in  the 
morning  love-feast  to  the  saving  power  of  Je- 
sus, and  had  Mrs.  Van  Cott  not  been  diligent 
in  spiritual  progress  she  would  have  felt  hardly 
abreast  with  the  tide  of  holy  joy.  The  king 
was  known  in  the  midst  of  the  camp  that  hour. 
A  deep  awe  stole  over  the  company  that  af- 
ternoon as  they  attended  to  the  ordinance  of 
baptism,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  handing  down  those 
candidates  choosing  immersion,  and  speaking 
words  of  Christian  comfort  to  each  one  as  they 
were  about  to  receive  this  holy  ordinance. 
Again  her  face  was  turned  westward,  to  fill  an 


286  ^^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

engagement  at  Columbus,  Wisconsin.  A  most 
singular  circumstance  happened  while  here  en- 
gaged in  the  usual  revival  services.  A  brother 
urged  her  to  spend  a  Sabbath  on  his  charge. 
She  declined  the  invitation,  thinking  it  inexpe- 
dient to  leave  her  work.  The  minister  departed 
only  to  return  in  a  few  days,  saying,  "  I  am 
here  and  do  not  intend  leaving  this  place  until 
you  promise  to  spend  at  least  one  Sabbath  with 
us."  But  the  work  was  deepening  in  the  hearts 
of  the  large  congregation;  many  were  moved, 
among  others  were  two  avowed  infidels.  Her 
only  possible  answer  seemed  to  be  this:  "Then 
brother  you  will  abide  long  in  this  place,  for  I 
cannot  leave  or  promise  you  any  time." 

"Well,  I  shall  not  leave  without  a  promise," 
he  answered. 

As  she  arose  to  leave  the  room  she  said, 
**  Bro.  Aplin,  you  and  Bro.  Reynolds,  the  pas- 
tor, settle  this  knotty  question,  and  when  ad- 
justed let  me  know  how  it  stands." 

In  about  fifteen  minutes  Bro.  R.  called  her, 
saying,  '*  I  cannot  settle  this,  for  I  cannot  con- 
sent to  your  going  at  this  crisis  in  the  stage  of 
the  meeting." 

"  You  jmisl  decide  it,"  she  remarked,  "  I  can- 
not assume  the  responsibility.  I  think  we  had 
better  go  to  God  with  it.  Let  us  pray.  Bro. 
R.  lead  us." 


PRESSING  ON.  287 

They  knelt,  and  as  the  good  pastor  was  plead- 
ing for  ''some  token  of  the  divine  zvill^'  the  Spirit 
of  God  rested  upon  them,  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
was  wonderfully  impressed  as  if  God  had  spoken 
to  her  audibly,  saying,  ''go,  go,  GO."  She  cried, 
"there  are  many  persons  here,  who  are  now 
almost  persua'Jed,"  but  all  the  time  of  their 
kneeling  the  words  seemed  to  ring  in  her  soul, 
"go!'  Bro.  A.  then  led  in  prayer,  using  the 
same  words,  seeking  for  heavenly  guidance, 
when  to  her  mind  there  seemed  revealed  a  hand 
pointing  in  a  certain  direction,  and  the  words 
still  echoing  in  her  soul,  "  go,  goT 

Presently  she  said,  **  Brethren  it  is  no  use  to 
pray  more,  I  know  God's  will  and  will  prove  it 
to  you." 

When  they  arose  she  asked,  "  Does  my  hand 
point  in  the  direction  of  this  brother's  church.?" 

**  Yes,"  was  the  answer  from  both  at  once. 

'♦Amen,"  she  said,  "the  Spirit  of  God  says 
for  me  to  go." 

Bro.  R.  burst  into  tears,  covering  his  face  with 
his  hands,  and  continued  for  some  time  in  deep 
emotion. 

She  continued,  "Bro.  R.  I  will  prove  to  you 
that  this  is  not  my  mind.  Now  if  my  hand  is 
pointing  in  that  direction,  which  way  does  my 
finger  point .?  " 

They  both  answered,  "toward  Sun  Prairie." 


288         ^^S'  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

**  And  God  says,  **^^,"  she  continued,  but  I 
will  remain  and  hold  your  Saturday-night  meet- 
ing. Bro.  A.  will  have  a  carriage  here  and  I 
will  ride  out  to  Sun  Prairie." 

She  knew  nothing  of  the  distance,  direction, 
difficulties  in  getting  there,  or  the  time  it  would 
take  for  the  journey. 

Saturday  night  the  altar  was  again  filled  with 
seeking  souls,  and  among  them  the  two  infidel 
men  for  whom  she  had  prayed  so  often.  They 
were  sweetly  blest  and  gave  glowing  testimo- 
nies of  Jesus'  power  to  save  from  sin. 

That  night  at  eleven  o'clock  she  started  for 
Sun  Prairie,  some  fifteen  miles  away,  arriving 
there  between  twelve  and  one;  with  four  hours 
sleep  she  was  ready  at  nine  for  meeting,  which 
was  held  all  day,  save  an  hour  for  dinner.  About 
five  o'clock  she  returned  to  Columbus,  where 
some  eight  souls  were  converted  during  the 
evening  services. 

The  meeting  at  Sun  Prairie  was  deeply  in- 
teresting. Several  backsliders  were  reclaimed, 
moralists  melted  into  the  love  of  Christ,  neigh- 
bors who  had  not  spoken  for  years  clasped  each 
other's  hands  and  were  reconciled  to  each  other 
and  to  their  God. 

At  Columbus  there  was  a  plain  case  of 
*•  standing  in  the  way  of  sinners."  A  minister 
of  the  Gospel  (.?)  came  night  after  night  and 


PRESSING  ON. 


289 


sat  in  the  back  part  of  the  house  among  tlie 
unsaved.  She  invited  him  time  and  again  to 
come  forward  and  assist  in  pointing  sinners  to 
Jesus.  But,  no,  he  was  not  willing  to  do  so  be- 
cause it  was  not  a  union  meeting.  To  this  she 
rephed,  "  My  dear  sir,  I  never  hold  any  ^jther 
kind  of  meetings.  I  always  expect,  and  always 
find  a  union  in  the  hearty  co-operation  of  all 
Christians.  Come,  take  your  place  in  the  pul- 
pit where  ministers  belong.  Your  staying  here 
in  the  back  part  of  the  church  throws  your  in- 
fluence, w^iatever  it  may  be,  against  this  work, 
against  the  salvation  of  these  young  men  around 
you.  You  stand  in  the  way  of  sinners,  and  you 
will  admit,  you  sit  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful; 
for  Jesus'  sake  go  forward  and  take  hold  in 
prayer." 

*' No,  I  do  not  wish  to,"  he  replied,  "I  have 
not  been  .consulted  as  to  the  meetings,  and  have 
not  had  a  proper  invitation." 

"Then,  sir,"  she  continued,  "as  leader  of  this 
meeting,  I  invite  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord,  not 
for  Methodism,  but  for  the  salvation  of  souls." 

"Much  obliged  to  you,  I  guess  I  won't  go." 

"  Amen.  I  will  pray  God  to  convert  youi 
soul,"  she  replied.  "  I  know  you  are  not  right  in 
your  heart  or  you  would  not  act  as  you  do." 

"  You  speak  plainly,"  he  answered. 


290  ^^^S'  MAGGIE  JsEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

''  Yes,  sir;  I  am  a  plain,  honest-hearted  child 
of  God." 

To  this  he  said,  "Well!  well!  but  stop,  I 
am  praying  for  3'ou  In  my  closet." 

"Are  you  .'^ "  she  asked,  "then  please  don't 
do  it  any  more.  Spend  the  time  in  praying  for 
your  own  soul." 

Somewhat  disgusted  with  this  case,  she  turned 
to  a  young  man  of  pleasant  face,  bright  eyes,  and 
evident  culture.  She  asked,  "  Son  why  don't  you 
come  to  Jesus  .-*  Don't  you  know  it  is  your 
duty  .? " 

"  O,  yes,  it  is  right,  and  I  ought  to  be  a  Chris- 
tian," he  answered. 

"Then  dare  to  do  right,"  she  replied. 

"  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  I  am  in  the  pew  with  a  min- 
ister.  If  he  gets  to  heaven,  I  won't  be  far  behind." 

At  this  her  heart  was  bruised,  it  bled,  for  cer- 
tainly the  Master  had  been  crucified  afresh. 

"  As  the  Lord  liveth,"  she  answered  him,  "that 
man  can  never  get  to  heaven  until  he  repents 
of  his  sins." 

She  returned  to  the  minister  and  urged  for 
the  sake  of  that  young  man's  soul  that  he  arise 
and  go  up  to  the  altar  and  take  his  proper  place. 

To  this  he  coolly  replied,  "No,  I  won't  go." 

"  Then,  sir,"  she  said,  "  have  the  goodness 
to  stay  out  of  this  house  while  I  am  holding 
meetings." 


PEESSIXG  ON. 


291 


"  Why,  v/hat  have  I  done  ? "  he  asked. 

She  stooped  and  whispered  firmly,  "  Noth- 
ing, and  thereby  souls  are  damned  here  all 
about  you.  The  same  curse  that  rested  upon 
Meroz  rests  upon  you." 

She  passed  on  to  her  work,  and  he  continued 
coming-  and  persisting  in  his  indifference. 

About  the  close  of  her  four  weeks'  labor  here 
another  distressing  case  occurred.  A  gentle- 
man of  good  standing  in  society  said,  "  So  you 
are  going  to  Appleton;  my  son  is  there  in  the 
University;  urge  him  to  give  his  heart  to  Je- 
sus; I  trust  he  may  be  converted;  tell  him  I 
say  so." 

At  this  she  smiled  and  answered,  "  That  is  a 
most  inconsistent  idea.  Don't  you  kirow  if  your 
son  has  common  sense  he  will  ask,  "  did  father 
get  converted  at  Columbus  ? '  and  as  1  cannot 
lie  I  must  say  no,  and  you  will  be  his  stumbling 
block." 

When  she  met  the  young  man  and  asked  him 
to  give  his  heart  to  Jesus,  he  wanted  to  know 
at  once  if  his  father  was  converted,  and  when 
he  heard  the  answer  in  the  negative  he  replied, 
*'  Well,  if  I  can  onl}^  be  as  good  as  my  father  1 
shall  get  through  this  world  well  enough." 

"Yes,  child,"  she  said,  "but  how  will  you  get 
through  the  coming  judgment  of  God  ?  " 

"Ha,  ha,  I'll  risk  that,"  was  his  thoughtless 


2Q2  MBS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON   VAN  COTT. 

reply,  and  though  strongly  urged  to  be  a  Chris- 
tian he  very  firmly  refused. 

Returning  a  little  for  the  thread  of  our  sketch- 
es; while  she  was  standing  on  the  platform  of 
the  cars  at  Columbus  waiting  for  them  to  move, 
and  the  large  company  was  singing 

'Shall  we  gather  at  the  river,"  etc., 

a  young  man  with  a  pale  face  and  deep  emotion 
came  upon  the  platform,  and  was  speedily  rec- 
ognized as  the  one  she  had  talked  with  that 
night  the  minister  refused  to  take  part  in  the 
meetings.  Trembling  from  head  to  foot  he 
said,  "  Mrs.  Van  Cott  in  pity's  sake  don't  go. 
I  want  to  be  saved.  I  have  made  a  great  mis- 
take. Do  stay  one  week  longer.  There  are 
seven  unconverted  men  who  say  they  will  give 
you  five  hundred  dollars  out  of  their  own  pock- 
ets, if  you  will  tarry  one  week  longer. 

"  I  could  not  stay,"  she  replied,  '*  if  they 
would  give  me  five  hundred  thousand  dollars. 
I  must  be  at  my  appointment  at  once." 

'*  My  soul,  what  shall  I  do?  I  cannot  perish," 
he  moaned. 

"No  need  of  perishing  my  child,"  she  replied. 
*'  go  to  the  young  converts'  meeting  to-night 
and  yield  to  be  saved.  Call  on  God  now,  just 
here,  and  he  will  save  you." 

Just  then  the  cars  started   and   instantly  he 


PRESSING  ON. 


293 


burst  into  tears  and  cried  aloud,  "  O  don't  go 
don't  go  !  " 

A  few  months  afterwards  she  heard  ot  his 
death.  It  was  sorrowful  beyond  description. 
Me  cursed  the  minister  who  had  stood  in  his 
way  when  he  really  wanted  to  go  forward  for 
prayers.  One  of  his  sad  expressions  just  before 
death  was,  "  I  am  damned  now,  don't  pray  for 
me  any  more." 

Mrs.  Van  Cott  was  very  much  affected  at  this 
sad  news,  as  memory  recalled  the  scene  of 
struggle  at  Columbus  to  save  souls,  and  how 
one  prejudiced  minister  effectually  barred  out 
an  aching  heart  from  entering  the  kingdom  of 
rest. 

At  Appleton  the  work  went  on  splendidly. 
All  of  the  churches  joined  heart  and  hand,  and 
a  large  ingathering  of  souls  was  the  result. 

A  very  fine  opportunity  was  here  offered  to 
test  the  power  of  strong,  active  Christian  faith. 
A  dancing  master  had  been  engaged  to  visit 
the  city  "for  the  improvement  of  the  young 
folks  "(?).  The  first  dance  was  to  be  given  just 
in  the  midst  of  the  revival.  All  of  the  minis- 
ters were  profoundly  moved  on  the  question, 
for  some  of  the  church  members  had  been  in- 
strumental in  making  the  engagement.  But 
they  unitedly  said,  "  It  must  not  be.  We  must 
pray  that  it  may  not  succeed." 


294         ^^^'  ^I^G(^iE  JSEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

Mrs.  Van  Cott  suggested,  *'  Let  us  pray  God 
to  interpose,  that  if  they  persist,  that  he  would 
grant  that  the  music  might  be  dull,  the  lamps 
might  not  give  their  wonted  light,  and  the  dear 
young  people  effectually  rescued." 

The  ballroom  was  lighted,  and  as  the  people 
passed  to  the  church  many  a  heart  prayed  that 
God  would  take  the  case  in  his  own  hands  and 
put  the  managers  to  confusion. 

About  half  past  nine  that  night  a  young  man 
entered  the  church  and  made  his  way  imme- 
diately to  the  altar  of  prayer.  A  most  excel- 
lent Baptist  minister  kneeled  and  prayed  with 
him,  when  shortly  peace  and  a  sweet  sense  of 
pardon  filled  the  seeking  soul. 

His  testimony  shortly  after  ran  thus  : 

"  Against  my  better  judgment  I  persisted  in 
going  to  the  dance  to-night,  saying  in  my  heart, 
*  let  them  pray  on,  I  will  have  a  good  time.' 
But  the  Lord  knows  we  could  not  make  the 
lamps  give  enough  light  although  they  had 
been  newly  trimmed,  and  the  floor  was  rough, 
besides  they  could  not  get  the  instruments  in 
tune;  and  as  for  me,  I  could  hear  mother's  voice 
praying  for  me,  and  I  could  dance  but  little, 
and  felt  each  step  I  did  take  that  I  was  on  the 
brink  of  ruin.  I  now  yield  to  be  saved  and  am 
determined  to  serve  the  Lord,  and  I  do  feel  he 
blesses  me  now." 


PRESSING  ON.  295 

He  sat  down  and  the  people  shouted  for 
joy. 

Another  circumstance  is  worthy  of  note.  A 
young  lady  was  stricken  under  powerful  con- 
victions but  refused  to  yield  her  will  to  Christ. 

"I  want  to  be  a  Christian,"  she  said,  but  there 
is  one  thing  I  cannot  give  up,  and  if  God  should 
take  it,  I  would  hate  HiinT 

The  flash  of  those  dark  eyes  were  very  con- 
vincing that  she  had  a  will  of  her  own,  but  a 
very  perverse  one  indeed.  For  three  days  she 
suffered  almost  the  darkness  of  despair.  At 
last  led  by  the  gentleness  of  her  Preceptor  she 
found  peace  at  her  home.  The  same  evening 
she  attended  the  young  converts'  meeting,  and 
the  first  glance  at  the  sunlit  countenance  told 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  that  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
had  shed  his  beams  of  glory  into  her  heart. 
Calling  the  attention  of  the  meeting  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  said,  '*  There  is  one  present  with  whom 
I  have  not  spoken  to-night,  and  yet  her  soul 
is  leaping  as  a  roe  with  joy  in  a  new  found 
treasure." 

Springing  to  her  feet  she  cried,  "  That  means 
me.  Yes,  I  do  rejoice.  I'm  the  happiest  girl 
on  earth.  Glory  be  to  God!  I  gave  my  all 
to   Christ   and   I   know    He   accepts   me    now." 

The  good  pastor  at  Beaver  Dam,  Wisconsin, 
was  waiting  for  her  to  come   there   and   open 


296 


MBS.  MAGGIE  SEWTON  VAN  GOTT. 


an  attack  against  Satan  and  sin.  Rev.  A.  A. 
Read  had  toiled  hard  to  build  a  new  church, 
and  the  contrast  was  very  marked  between  the 
old  one,  where  his  congregation  when  it  rained 
had  to  open  their  umbrellas,  and  sometimes  a 
temporal  and  spiritual  shower  came  at  the  same 
time.  But  now  the  new,  beautiful,  brick  structure 
was  completed,  and  though  there  were  doubts 
of  a  revival  and  prophecies  of  tremendous  strug- 
gles, yet  she  answered,  "Nothing  is  impossible 
with  God,  or  to  them  that  believe,  and  by  the 
grace  of  God  I  dare  believe,  I  hear  the  sound  of 
a  host  coming  to  the  rross,  even  as  the  tramp 
of  an  army." 

Three  weeks  and  a  half  of  earnest  revival 
effort  resulted  in  one  hundred  and  ten  acces- 
sions to  the  Church.  Seventy-six  were  heads 
of  families,  and  a  careful  estimation  was  made, 
that  half  a  million  dollars'  worth  of  property  was 
owned  by  those  who  had  united  with  the  church 
in  this  revival. 

Many  startling  answers  to  prayer  were  given 
the  believing  souls  at  this  meeting.  Infidels 
and  Deists  burned  their  books,  and  trusted  in 
the  Saviour  of  sinners. 

At  one  of  the  afternoon  meetings  a  mother 
arose  and  with  sobs  cried,  "  For  thirty  years  1 
have  prayed  for  my  dear  son,  and  yet  he  is  un- 
saved.    Thoup:h  not  a  member  ot  this  church. 


PRESSING  ON.  297 

yet  I  have  tried  to  live  a  Christian  in  the  Bap- 
tist church,  but  I  trust  you  will  help  me  pray 
for  my  son." 

Mrs.  Van  Cott  sprang  to  her  feet  and  an- 
swered, "  Yes,  we  will  pray,  and  God  will  an- 
swer, for  before  many  hours  your  son  will  bow 
at  this  altar  and  yield  to  Jesus'  love.  I  know 
it,  I  could  give  the  length  of  his  coat  even 
now." 

Modern  Spiritualists  will  doubtless  chuckle 
over  this  and  say,  "She  is  a  medium."  But  to 
all  t/iai  class,  "  That  have  familiar  spirits,  and 
unto  wizards  that  peep  and  mutter,"  she  had 
a  profound  disgust.  Another  line  of  the  19th 
verse  of  Isaiah,  8th  chapter,  always  accorded 
better  with  her  convictions  of  duty.  "Should 
not  a  people  seek  unto  their  God } "  And 
again,  "  The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them 
that  fear  him  :  and  he  will  show  them  his  cove- 
nant" (Ps.  XXV.  14);  "He  revealeth  his  secret 
unto  his  servants  the  prophets"  (Amos  iii.  7). 

She  had  never  seen  the  lady  before,  but  on 
reaching  the  parsonage  was  told  that  she  was 
the  mother  of  the  mayor  of  the  city,  a  very 
excellent  mother  in  Israel. 

In  the  multiplicity  of  cares  the  circumstance 
passed  from  Mrs.  Van  Cott's  mind.  That  even- 
ing as  she  was  about  to  close  the  meeting  and 
just   before  what   she    thought   would   be    the 


298  ^^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

closing  prayer,  and  while  passing  down  the 
aisle  on  the  north  side  speaking  with  one  and 
another,  she  hastened  suddenly  through  the 
north  class-room,  opening  with  double  doors 
into  the  audience-room,  thence  to  the  south, 
class-room,  speaking  to  one  and  another,  and 
presently  to  a  gentleman  leaning  on  his  gold- 
headed  cane. 

"Are  you  on  the  Lord's  side,"  she  asked. 

"  I  regret,  madam,  to  say  I  am  not,"  he  replied. 

"  Don't  you  know  it  is  your  duty  ?" 

"I  do." 

"Then,  sir,  why  not,  as  an  honest  man,  give 
your  heart  to  Jesus,  repenting  of  your  sins.?" 

"I  cannot  answer,"  he  continued,  "I  have  no 
good  reason.     It  is  only  careless  neglect." 

Standing  by  his  side  was  another  noble-look- 
ing man  to  whom  she  addressed  the  inquiry, 
"  T)o  j/021  love  Jesus  ?  " 

He  hesitated  a  moment  and  answered  feel- 
ingly, "  I  must  confess  I  have  no  religion." 

"  God  help  you,  man,  you  will  lose  your  soul, 
and  besides  that  you  stand  in  the  way  of  t/iis 
man's  soul.     Don't  you  know  it  ?  " 

"O,  I  trust  not,"  he  replied. 

"Now  take  my  advice,"  she  continued,  "arise 
and  go  to  Jesus  at  once." 

He  arose  and  said  to  his  companion,  "  Come 
if  you  will,  and  I  will  go  with  you.     You  know 


PRESSING  OX.  299 

it  is  rii^lit,  and  I  am  sure  it's  right,  let  us  go 
together  ? " 

The}^  both  started,  pressed  their  way  forward 
through  the  crowd,  and  bowed  at  the  altar. 

How  different  the  actions  of  ^/ns  man  and 
those  of  the  minister  at  Columbus  ? 

After  speaking  to  several  more  she  entered 
the  altar  to  pray  for  the  two  men,  when  sud- 
denly Mrs.  Van  Cott  turned  to  the  pastor  and 
said,  "  Bro.  Read  that's  the  coat  I  told  you  of 
this  afternoon." 

Both  of  them  decided  to  live  for  God  and 
heaven,  and  faithful  to  the  promise,  Jehovah 
answered  prayers  which  had  been  presented  by 
a  mother's  trusting  heart  for  thirty  years. 

One  more  incident  is  worthy  of  record.  A 
dark,  forbidding  looking  man  sat  at  the  left  of 
the  altar,  and  his  very  appearance  was  enough 
to  repel  a  timid  soul.  His  hair  was  very  thick 
and  long,  and  with  heavy  beard  sprinkled  with 
gray,  and  dark  eyes  speaking  decision  of  char- 
acter, might  ensure  a  good  letting  alone  from 
any  common  person.     When  asked-- 

"  Sir,  do  you  love  Jesus  ?  " 

'*  No,"  came  immediately,  and  fui)  t:cned. 

'*  Won't  you  seek  him  ?  " 

"No." 

"  Don't  you  feel  the  need  of  a  clean  hp«\t  ?" 

♦'  No." 


300 


MES.  MAGGIE  yEWroS   VAN  COTT. 


*' Won't  you  kneel  with  ine  here  in  prayer?" 

"  Pass  on  !  "  came  out  wiLli  a  will. 

"I'll  not  pass  on  till  you  answer  my  question. 
Won't  you  let  me  pray  lor  you  ? "  she  asketl 
Imploringly. 

"  Yes,  pray  as  much  as  you  like,"  closed  the 
sharp  engagement. 

When  the  company  reached  the  parsonage 
that  night,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  asked,  "  Bro.  R.  who 
was  that  fierce  and  yet  noble-looking  man  at 
the  left  of  the  altar  ?  He  was  most  remarkably 
cross  when  I  spoke  to  him." 

"  That  man,  sister,  is  one  of  the  most  noble- 
hearted,  whole-souled  men  in  this  city.  I  would 
God  he  could  be  brought  to  Christ.  But  his 
nobility  of  character  is  swamped  at  the  gam- 
bling hells  and  drunken  bouts.  Through  these 
he  is  rendered  a  most  wretched  man  indeed. 
And  his  poor  wife  suffers  dreadfully." 

*' Let  us  have  him  saved,"  cried  Mrs.  Van 
Cott  ;  "  let  us  make  him  the  burden  of  our 
prayers." 

To  this  they  heartily  agreed,  and  believing 
in  the  power  of  prayer,  and  knowing  that  the 
promises  of  Jesus  could  not  fail,  "  where  two  or 
three  agreed  as  touching  any  one  thing,"  they 
went  at  it. 

The  prayers  were  continued  at  intervals  for 
days,   deep  and    strong   auvl    long.      Sometimes 


PRESsiya  ON. 


301 


Bro.  Reed  while  leading  in  devotions  at  the 
family  altar,  would  fall  upon  the  floor  prostrate, 
under  the  manifestations  of  the  Divine  Spirit. 

For  a  long  time  Mrs.  Van  Cott  could  not 
"get  hold,"  as  she  expressed  it,  with  firm  faith, 
until  one  morning  in  her  closet,  God,  by  his 
Spirit,  gave  her  the  witness  that  her  prayer  was 
heard,  and  that  Mr.  Hibbard  should  be  con- 
verted t/ia^  day. 

As  they  passed  into  the  dining-room  she  com- 
menced shouting,  saying  aloud  to  all,  "  God 
says  Hibbard  shall  be  converted  to-day.  Let 
us  sing  praises  even  now,  for  the  promise  given 
at  this  hour." 

They  all  joined  in  the  grand  old  anthem, 
"  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessinp-s  flow," 
etc.,  but  when  tliat  stanza  was  ended  the  good 
pastor  and  Mrs.  Van  Cott  sat  up  a  hallelujah 
exercise  on  their  own  account,  continuing  till 
Mrs.  Reed  called  their  attention  to  some  table 
duties  before  them,  and  insisted  that  they  should 
eat. 

Presently  Bro.  Reed  asked,  "Are  you  sure  of 
it,  sister;  where  is  your  evidence.'*" 

"  My  evidence  is  God's  word  which  cannot 
fail,"  she  replied. 

Evening  came,  all  expected  Mr.  H.  would  be 
present  as  usual,  but  while  the  congregation 
was  singing  the  second  hymn,  Bro.  R.  said,  "  I 


302  ^^^'^'   MAGGIE  NEW  TO  is    VAh   COTT. 

think  you  are  mistaken  once  in  your  life,  Sister 
Van  Cott,  for  Mr.  H.  is  not  in  the  audience 
to-night." 

"  Very  well,  is  not  God  in  everyplace.-^  It 
is  not  requisite  Mr.  H.  should  be  here,  only 
believe;  I  know  the  work  is  done,  for  God  saui 
so.  You  need  not  try  to  distress  me  with  his 
not  being  present,"  she  said  cheerfully,  "God 
will  take  care  of  that  case,  for  he  is  fully  able." 

The  meeting  closed,  Mr.  H.  had  not  been 
present,  and  in  the  pressure  of  duties  among 
the  seekers  Mrs.  Van  Cott  had  not  thought 
especially  of  the  case  before  us. 

While  the  congregation  was  slowly  dispers- 
ing a  sweet-spirited  little  lady  came  up  and 
took  her  hand  saying,  *'I  am  so  happ}/  to-night, 
husband  was  ill  and  could  not  come,  but  de- 
sired me  to  ask  if  he  might  come  over  and  talk 
with  you  to-morrow  ?  " 

"  I  will  see  him  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning." 

How  little  we  know  what  a  day  or  an  hour 
may  bring  forth  !  Next  morning  as  they  were 
at  breakfast  a  terror-stricken  lady  came  rushing 
in,  saying,  "  Have  you  heard  the  news  ?  One 
of  the  young  converts  has  just  been  crushed  in 
the  mill." 

While  the  little  group  stood  aghast  with  hor- 
ror, another  person  ran  in,  saying,  "  He  is  still 
alive,  and  may  live  an  hour,  but  he  is  most  ter- 


PRESSING  ON. 


303 


ribly  mangled.  You  must  go  over  and  tell  his 
wife,  and  be  quick;  I  expect  they  are  bringing 
him  home  now." 

**  Mercy,  pity  me  !  "  cried  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  ''  1 
cannot  go  and  tell  that  wife  this  sad  news. 
Don't  you  know  it  would  break  my  heart  thus 
to  crush  that  poor  soul.  Don't  I  know,  too 
well,  the  feelings  of  a  stricken  heart  ?  " 

Their  urgent  solicitations  prevailed.  Throw- 
ing on  her  things  she  hastened  to  the  house  so 
full  of  joy  till  that  moment.  The  poor  woman 
stood  moulding  bread,  and  in  a  moment  after 
the  door  was  opened.  Catching  the  expression 
of  sadness  on  the  face  of  Mrs.  Van  Cott  she  cried, 
"Why  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  what's  the  matter  .^" 

"Listen,  I'll  tell  you,"  said  Mrs.  Van  Cott. 

"  Something  dreadful  !  I  told  husband  last 
night  while  we  sat  b\'  the  fire  that  something 
dreadful  would  happen,  and  yet  we  were  so 
happy.  What  is  it  ?  Woman  in  the  name  of 
God,  what  is  it  ?  Have  you  no  mercy  ?  Why 
don't  you  tell  me  .^^ " — came  so  rapidly  that  an 
answer  could  hardly  be  attempted. 

The  distracted  woman  seized  her  arm,  and 
as  Mrs.  Van  Cott  uttered  the  words,  "  Youi 
husband — " 

"  Have  you  no  pity.''  Don't  you  dare  to  tell 
me — "  and  the  poor  wife  fell  to  the  floor,  in 
fearful  convulsions. 


304 


MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


While  some  good  sisters  were  lending  their 
aid,  another  messenger  came,  saying,  "We  can- 
not bring  him  home,  he  must  remain  at  the  mill. 
He  has  sent  word  t^t  he  would  like  to  see 
Sister  Van  Cott." 

She  was  hurried  to  the  mill  and  found  the 
crushed  man  still  alive,  but  rejoicing  in  the 
r.ord.  He  whispered,  "I  am  a  brand  plucked 
h-om  the  burning." 

He  lingered  in  terrible  agony.  Many  of  the 
young  converts  wanted  to  see  him,  but  only  a 
few  could.  They  sang  softly  a  number  of  pieces. 
The  one  which  seemed  specially  to  please  him 
was,  "Jesus,  lover  of  my  soul,"  etc. 

That  night  they  carried  him  home,  but  he 
continued  to  fail  very  rapidly. 

The  meeting  in  the  church  was  very  solemn, 
and  full  of  deep  interest.  At  ten  o'clock,  while 
all  were  engaged  in  devotions,  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
felt  an  unusual  sensation,  and  cried  out,  "Hush, 
hush,  at  this  moment  the  spirit  of  Charley  is 
winging  its  flight  to  heaven's  rest." 

A  solemn  pause  of  death-like  silence  followed, 
and  fervent  prayers  went  to  the  throne  of  grace. 
In  a  few  minutes  a  messenger  came  into  ihc 
church,  and  announced  clearly,  "  He  lias  just 
died." 

When  they  were  seated  at  the  parsonage  that 
night,  and  vvG-sre   talking  over  the  dci)''s  sorrows, 


PRESSING  ON. 


305 


a  knock  was  answered,  and  Mr.  H.  was  invited 
In.  Pretty  quickly,  Mrs.  Van  Cott  asked,  *'  My 
brother,  how  about  that  immortal  soul,  let  me 
hear  of  it." 

'*I  have  some  news  to  tell  you,"  he  answered. 

'*I  have  had  news  enough  for  one  day,"  she 
replied,  **  Let  me  know  of  your  soul." 

He  continued,  *'Wait,  let  me  tell  you  some 
news." 

"  I  should  prefer  to  hear  directly  about  your 
soul." 

"Well,  last  night  I  was  too  sick  to  attend  the 
meeting,  but  after  the  family  had  all  gone,  I  sat 
thinking  of  my  past  life,  how  much  time  had  been 
worse  than  wasted;  and  finally  I  said  to  myself, 
'  It's  no  use,  I'm  a  lost  man,  that's  sure  .? '  Reach- 
ing up  I  took  my  wife's  Bible,  and  read  the  four- 
teenth chapter  of  St.  John,  'Let  not  your  heart 
be  troubled,'  etc.,  as  you  requested  the  night 
before.  And  while  I  was  reading  a  new  light 
seemed  to  be  in  the  Word  of  Truth.  I  asked 
myself,  '  Why  not  yield  now  ? '  And  do  you  be- 
lieve it,  Sister  Van  Cott,  I  knelt  down  and 
asked  God  to  pardon  my  sins,  and  at  half  past 
eight  o'clock  the  work  was  done." 

"  Will  you  be  willing  to  tell  it  to  the  people 
to-night .''"  she  asked. 

**  I  have  been  preaching  it  all  through  the 
streets  to-day,"  he  answered;  "  I  am  not  ashamed 


2,06 


MBS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


of  Jesus  and  his  cause.  I  have  started  for  heaven, 
and  I  intend  to  gain  that  blest  rest." 

There  was  no  little  commotion  at  the  parson- 
age that  day,  surprise,  deep  sorrow,  and  as  the 
day  faded  away,  intense  joy  in  the  testimony  of 
a  soul  forgiven. 

Isaac  J.  Hibbard  has  proved  a  valuable  worker 
in  the  church  at  Beaver  Dam,  Wisconsin. 


CHAPTER   XVIT. 

IN    THE    PULPIT. 


E  give  the  following  sketches  of  Mrs. 
Van  Cott's  sermons  on  our  own  respon- 
sibility. The  first  was  delivered  in  the 
Duane  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  New  York, 
Rev.  A.  M'Lean,  pastor,  May  23,  1869,  and  was 
printed  in  the  New  York  World  of  next  day. 
The  second  was  preached  in  the  Fourteenth 
Ward  Industrial  School-house,  116  Elizabeth- 
street,  and  appeared  one  week  later. 

After  reading  the  seventh  chapter  of  Matthew, 
singing  and  prayer,  the  speaker  said  : 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple  ;  let  all  the 
earth  keep  silence  before  him.  I  am  aware,  dear 
friends,  to-night,  that  I  stand  before  some  of  you 
who  have  learned  to  love  me,  and  many  who  for 
years  have  accounted  me  as  a  sister  in  Christ ;  anrl 
1  bless  God  that  I  have  this  precious  privilege, 
"even  though  it  be  a  cross  that  raiseth  mc." 
I  am  also  aware  that  I  stand   before  some  who 


308         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

will  judge  me  severely ;  but,  dear  ones,  it  matters 
but  little  to  me  what  your  judgment  may  be,  as 
long  as  I  feel  acquitted  before  the  Judge  of  the 
whole  earth.  Dear  Savior,  grant  that  those  who 
have  entered  within  the  house  of  God  may  find 
the  gate  of  heaven !  You  will  find  the  words 
selected  for  my  text  for  this  evening's  medita- 
tion— and  now,  dear  friends,  do  n't  expect  to  hear 
a  great  sermon,  because  I  am  no  sermonizer ;  I 
am  only  up  to  talk  for  Jesus,  and  if  you  call  it 
preaching,  it  is  your  own  look-out,  and  not  mine. 
I  simply  stand  up  before  you  a  sinner,  and  noth- 
ing else.  But  I  want  to  present  to  you  my  Jesus, 
and  God  grant  that  you  may  see  him  in  his  glory ! 
My  text  is  taken  from  the  loth  chapter  of  He 
brews  and  part  of  the  23d  verse : 

"  Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our  faith 
without  wavering." 

St.  Paul  had  been  talking  to  the  Hebrews  in 
reference  to  the  sacrificial  death  of  our  Redeemer, 
and  had  shown  them  how  this  precious  blood  of 
Christ  had  put  away  sin  and  uncleanness.  He 
had  presented  to  them  the  true  and  living  way, 
even  the  way  of  the  cross.  He  had  told  them 
how  they  should  draw  near  with  true  hearts 
in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  their  hearts 
sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience  and  their  bod- 
ies washed  with  the  pure  water  of  heaven  ;  then 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  309 

no  doubt  looking  upon  them  and  beholding  some 
who  had  professed  the  faith  in  Christ,  and  yet 
had  wavered  and  vacillated — that  they  had  laid 
hold  on  Christ  one  day,  and  on  another  had 
turned  back  to  the  world — St.  Paul,  observing 
them,  began  to  exhort  them  to  hold  fast  the  pro- 
fession of  their  faith ;  for  St.  Paul  understood  very 
well,  as  every  searcher  of  the  Scriptures  under- 
stands, that  unless  we,  after  having  professed 
faith  in  Christ,  hold  thereto  by  faith,  and  simple 
faith,  in  vain  is  our  profession.  And  this  to  my 
soul  is  a  great  grief  and  sorrow,  and  to  every 
observing  child  of  God  it  is  so,  that  when  we 
enter  the  Church  of  God  and  see  upon  the  reg- 
ister so  many  that  have  bowed  about  the  conse- 
crated altar,  and  have  then  made  a  profession  of 
their  faith  in  God,  we  in  a  few  brief  days  find 
that  the  adversary  of  souls  has  come  in  and 
drawn  them  away  by  his  wicked  devices,  and 
they  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  that  dark  fiend  of 
despair,  who  leads  them  to  inevitable  destruction. 
And  therefore  it  behooves  every  soul  who  pro- 
fesses a  love  for  the  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ, 
that  they  stand  upon  the  watch-tower  and  watch, 
lest  the  adversary  should  overcome  them.  And 
not  only  are  we  to  stand  there,  but  we  are  con- 
stantly to  hold  onto  the  blood-stained  cross  of 
our  faith      How  my  soul  revels  in  and  enjoys  the 


3  ! O         MRS.  MAGGIE  NE WTON  VA N  CO TT. 

holy,  blood-stained  cross  ;  how  I  love  to  stand 
up  before  a  dying  world  and  proclaim  the  risen 
Jesus  ;  how  much  I  love  to  tell  of  the  precious 
blood  that  cleanses  away  the  sins  of  the  world ! 

"  Whosoever  will  come  to  me."  The  invitation 
IS  as  wide  as  the  world,  and  it  is  as  broad  as 
eternity — it  takes  in  every  son  and  daughter  of 
Adam.  The  Bible  teaches  us  that  there  is  a 
hell ;  but,  loving  ones,  it  is  not  for  you  or  me. 
It  is  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels,  and  if 
you  enter  it  you  go  there  determinedly  and  will- 
fully. And  how  many  there  are  that  are  going 
in  the  downward  road  !  You  are  gathered  here 
to-night,  but  it  does  not  show  that  you  are  the 
children  of  God.  There  may  be  many  who  have 
been  led  here  to-night,  and  what  for  "^  "  What 
went  ye  out  for  to  see,  a  reed  shaken  by  the 
wind  r  How  vain,  then,  was  your  coming  here 
to-night !  You  had  no  idea  of  worshiping  God. 
You  came  here  out  of  idle  curiosity,  and  to  see 
what  1     A  sinner,  saved  by  grace. 

Glory  be  to  Christ !  And  I  would,  like  St. 
Paul,  exclaim  to-night.  Would  to  God  that  you 
all  felt  the  pardoning  blood  of  Christ  as  this 
poor,  sinful  heart  has  been  permitted  to  feel  it ; 
that  you  might  rejoice  in  the  love  of  Jesus,  who 
sits  to-night  on  the  mediatorial  throne  to  inter- 
cede in  your  behalf!     Many  say  that  I  am  apt  to 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  311 

Utter  truths  extremely  plain,  and  I  would  like  to 
speak  plainly  to  you.  I  would  like  to  speak  to 
those  who  profess  faith  in  Christ.  The  worldly 
do  not  expect  to  be  guiding-stars  pointing  up  to 
heaven  ;  but  the  professing  children  of  God,  be 
they  never  so  young,  never  so  aged,  we  expect  to 
see  them  walk  with  an  upright  and  public  con- 
versation, being  distinguished  and  separated  from 
the  world.  You  remember,  brethren,  that  there 
was  a  difference  in  that  night  when  the  destroy- 
ing angel  passed  over  Egypt.  Among  the  Egyp- 
tians there  was  a  darkness  that  might  be  felt,  but 
in  the  house  of  Israel  there  was  light.  So  there 
is  a  difference  between  God's  people  and  the  peo- 
ple of  the  devil.  But  I  wish  there  was  a  greater 
difference.  How  I  wish  that  every  one  that  felt 
God's  love  would  stand  out  a  peculiar  people ! 
There  would  not  be  then  so  many  sinners  in  the 
world.  But  the  trouble  is  that  there  are  profess- 
ors that  are  not  possessors  ;  that  a  sinner  is  per- 
fectly at  ease  in  their  company.  They  feel  sure 
that  they  will  never  hear  about  Jesus.  The  sin- 
ner may  go  into  their  society  for  many  months, 
but  they  never  hear  any  thing  of  the  Lord.  I 
met  a  gentleman  a  few  weeks  since — my  custom 
is  at  the  revivals  to  go  among  them  and  speak  to 
them  individually — and  I  stooped  down  and  said 
to  a  gentleman,  "  Brother,  do  you  love  Jesus  ?** 


312         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

The  gentleman  was  about  forty.  He  looked  up 
and  said,  "  That  is  a  strange  question."  "  There 
is  nothing  strange  about  it,"  said  I.  "  My  simple 
question  is.  Do  you  love  Jesus  T  "  I  have  been 
a  professor  of  religion  twenty  years,"  replied  he, 
*  and  no  one  has  ever  said  such  a  thing  as  that  to 
me."  "  Look  into  your  heart,  and  say  whether 
you  love  Jesus."  "  I  would  not  like  to  answer 
the  question."  "  Well,  you  are  a  sinner,  and  I 
beseech  you  to  go  to  the  altar  and  ask  Christ  to 
give  you  religion."  I  am  really  glad  that  the 
Methodist  religion  is  known  at  once.  Years  ago 
I  was  thought  to  be  as  good  as  necessary,  and 
yet  I  was  as  worldly  as  was  any  one.  I  was  just 
as  fond  of  society  and  the  giddy  follies  of  life, 
but  God  in  his  mercy  saved  me.  One  night  I 
sat  in  the  third  seat  there,  and  John  Parker  stood 
here  and  said,  "The  soul  that  sinneth  it  shall 
die."  It  fell  upon  my  soul.  I  knew  that  it 
meant  me — that  there  was  no  escape  for  me. 
And  then  I  looked  up  and  saw  upon  the  accursed 
tree  the  five  bleeding  wounds  of  my  Redeemer, 
and  that  spoke  of  redemption  and  full  salvation 
pure.  I  cried  out,  "  God  take  me  and  make  me 
all  thine  own."  But  a  few  weeks  later — there  are 
some  brethren  here  who  can  testify — one  asked 
me  to  come  to  the  class-meeting  in  the  school- 
room beneath.     I  said  no,  that  I  did  not  think  it 


IN  THE  PULPIT,  3 1 3 

looked  well  to  see  a  lady  speak  in  public.  But 
you  see  I  have  got  bravely  over  it.  [Laughter.] 
"  Well,"  said  the  old  man,  "  I  '11  tell  you  what  I 
will  do.  If  you  come  you  shall  not  be  asked  to 
speak ;  only  come  and  help  us  to  sing."  And  so  I 
attended  the  class-meeting,  and  I  heard  one  sister 
speak  of  her  love  for  Jesus,  and  then,  as  her  eyes 
became  lighted  up,  she  began  to  expatiate  upon 
the  glories  of  this  religion.  My  heart  began  to 
condemn  me.  By  and  by  a  dear  old  saint  rose 
and  said,  "  O,  I  rejoice  that  I  have  this  precious 
privilege,  for  the  Bible  teaches  me  that  *  he  who 
confesses  me  before  men  I  will  confess  before  my 
Father  and  his  angels.' "  That  was  an  arrow  to 
my  soul.  I  felt  as  if  I  was  ashamed  of  Jesus, 
and  he  would  be  ashamed  of  me.  Still  I  had  no 
idea  of  saying  a  solitary  word.  He  then  came 
and  said,  "  We  won't  ask  you,  dear  sister,  to 
speak.  God  bless  our  dear  sister!"  And  he  has 
blessed  me.  Halleluiah  to  his  name !  There 
came  from  heaven  an  electric  spark,  and  it 
thrilled   through  me.     Halleluiah   to   the   Lamb ! 

I  am  ready  now,  not  only  to  speak  for  Jesus,  but 
to  die  for  Jesus.  They  tell  me  that  I  have  no 
right  to  do  this.  But  God  forgive  me  if  I  do 
wrong  to  speak  for  Jesus  ;  but  I  will,  and  when 
my  voice  is   hushed    in   death   my   soul   will   be 

II  tuned  in  power.     Halleluiah  to   the   Lamb  of 

23 


314        ^^'A'^'.  MAGGIE  NRWIGN   VAN  COTT. 

God  !  I  am  glad  that  there  is  coming  a  day  of 
judgment,  when  these  critics  and  I  will  have  tc 
stand  before  the  throne  of  God  and  answer  for 
the  sins  done  in  the  body.  And  if  I  did  nothing 
more  wicked  than  to  speak  for  Jesus  the  pearly 
gates  will  be  thrown  open,  and  then  my  soul  will 
be  in  the  presence  of  Him  whom  I  adore.  I  am 
determined  to  hold  fast  the  profession  of  my  faith 
without  wavering.  You  see  yonder  that  majestic 
ship  riding  upon  the  waves.  She  seems  as  if 
being  lulled  to  sleep.  The  breeze  seems  to  fan 
the  sails,  and  she  rides  with  majesty,  sublimity, 
and  grandeur.  But  look  at  yonder  cloud.  It 
seems  to  be  all  calmness  and  peace.  But  it 
draws  near.  Hark  to  the  whistling  wind  !  Hark 
to  the  peals  of  thunder  as  they  rattle  in  the  heav- 
'Cns  !  And  immediately  all  is  confusion.  They 
hasten  upon  deck,  and  the  command  goes  forth, 
"  Reef  the  sails,"  and  they  are  quickly  gathered 
up  by  nimble  fingers.  And  then  the  giant  waves 
begin  to  roll,  the  sky  looks  angry,  and  the  clouds 
look  fierce,  and  all  nature  seems  convulsed.  Just 
then  you  see  a  form  upon  the  towering  wave. 
The  sailors  have  picked  up  a  coil  of  rope  and 
thrown  it  out,  and  the  man  lays  hold  upon  it,  and 
nothing  will  compel  him  to  relax  his  tenacious 
grasp.  And  why.?  Because  he  sees  salvation 
just  ahead,  and  therefore  he  holds  on  until  they 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  3 1  5 

bring  him  up  over  the  side.  Sinner,  so  it  is  with 
you.  You  are  tossed  upon  the  tempestuous  bil- 
lows, but  to-night  Jesus  casts  out  the  rope  of 
faith  and  bids  you  catch  it.  It  is  the  opportunity 
for  you  to  be  drawn  safely  to  heaven.  Will  you 
be  drawn  into  the  haven  of  rest  .'*  God  help  you  ! 
Let  us  hold  on  by  faith.  This  matter  of  faith  is 
to  me  most  interesting,  but  now,  as  in  the  time 
of  the  antediluvians,  it  is  looked  upon  as  a  sort  of 
fanaticism.  When  they  saw  the  old  man  of  that 
time  building  his  ark,  and  laying  the  keel  safe 
and  strong,  they  shrugged  their  shoulders  and 
said  it  was  time  that  he  was  taken  care  of,  he  is 
crazy.  But  when  they  saw  him  and  his  family 
go  in,  and  the  door  shut  by  the  hand  of  God, 
then  they  began  to  fear.  And  by  and  by  the 
fountains  of  the  great  deep  are  broken  up. 
They  climb  to  the  topmost  pinnacle  to  escape 
the  waters,  but  it  is  useless.  Though  he  is  a 
God  of  mercy,  he  is  also  a  God  of  justice.  O, 
glory  be  to  Christ !  Trust  to  God,  and  we  can 
not  fall  or  falter.  No,  though  the  world  despise 
and  leave  us,  yet  we  have  dear  Jesus.  May  God 
bless  you,  and  grant  that  when  congregations 
break  up  on  earth  they  may  meet  in  heaven, 
where  congregations  never  break  up,  and  Sab- 
baths have  no  end  !  May  we  mingle  with  that 
redeemed  host,  and  sing  forever  the  praises  of 


3l6       MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

his    glory!      May    the    Lord    grant    it,    for    the 
Redeemer's  sake  !     Amen ! 

ISAIAH  LV,  6,  7. 

"  Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found ;  call  ye  upon  him 
while  he  is  near.  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  un- 
righteous man  his  thoughts ;  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him,  and  to  our  God,  for  he  Will 
abundantly  pardon." 

She  said :  I  come  to  you  to-night  with  a  glo- 
rious invitation.  I  stand  to-night  before  many 
who  know  not  Jesus — who  have  not  the  Savior — 
who  never  have  felt  the  power  of  pardoning  love. 
To  you  I  would  say,  "  Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he 
may  be  found."  There  is  in  the  text  certainly 
that  which  implies  that  there  will  be  a  time  when 
you  will  seek  and  the  blessed  Father  will  not  be 
found.  There  will  be  an  hour  when  you  will  call, 
but  his  ear,  that  to-night  is  wide  open  to  hear  the 
faintest  cry  of  the  penitent  soul,  will  be  closed  to 
your  groan,  and  you  may  wait  with  longing  agony 
of  soul,  entreating  God  to  have  mercy,  but  the 
day  of  mercy  will  be  clean  gone  forever.  But  the 
loving  voice  calls  to-night,  "  Seek  while  he  may 
be  found ;"  and  if  you  persist  to-night,  and  reject 
the  offer  of  salvation,  God  knows  but  this  may  be 
the  very  last  opportunity. 

You  all  understand  with  what  tenacity,  and 
eagerness,  and  zeal,  a  man  who  starts  in  life  with 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  31; 

the  intention  of  becoming  rich,  will  wait,  and 
labor,  and  watch,  and  strive  for  the  object.  You 
see  a  young  man  starting  in  business.  See  what 
interes*  he  will  show ;  how  he  will  persevere,  and 
toil,  early  and  late,  night  and  day,  scarcely  giving 
himself  sufficient  rest.  And  why.?  Because  he 
is  determined  to  reach  the  goal.  I  remember  a 
gentleman  at  one  time,  quite  young,  who  said  :  I 
will,  before  I  am  fifty,  be  worth  fifty  thousand  dol- 
lars. Then  he  was  not  worth  ten  dollars.  He 
started  in  business — he  labored  faithfully  and  ear- 
nestly, with  great  desire,  for  there  ahead  was  the 
great  point — but  the  adversary,  who  goes  about 
roaring  and  seeking  whom  he  may  devour,  got 
possession  of  that  young  man's  soul,  and,  instead 
of  obtaining  that  fifty  thousand  dollars,  the  devil 
tempted  him  away  from  the  path  of  rectitude  and 
right,  and,  so  earnest  was  he  to  obtain  that  which 
would  place  him  above  want,  that  he  started  aside 
from  the  bounds  of  right,  and  he  went  down ;  and 
to-day  he  is  worth  nothing. 

That  is  not  the  way  I  come  this  evening  to 
you.  I  come  to  ask  you  to  seek  for  that  which  is 
above  price.  I  do  not  come  here  to  show  you  the 
way  to  become  a  millionaire,  but  something  that 
is  worth  obtaining — an  interest  in  the  blood  of 
Jesus — that  blood  that  cleanses  from  all  unright- 
eousness— that  blood  through  whose  washing  you 


3lS        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

may  gain  an  entrance  into  the  Celestial  city.  And 
I  beseech  you  to  act  as  the  woman  in  the  Script- 
m-e  did  when  she  had  lost  a  piece  of  silver;  she 
lit  her  candle  and  searched  diligently  until  she 
found  it,  and  then  called  in  her  neighbors  and 
asked  them  to  rejoice  with  her,  for  she  had  found 
it.  Or,  again,  like  the  man  who  had  lost  the 
sheep,  who  searched  for  the  same  perseveringly, 
until  he  had  found  it,  and  rejoiced  therein.  Dear 
sinner,  you  are  certainly  lost  unless  you  begin  at 
once  and  seek  Christ.  Will  you  do  it.?  Will 
you  this  night  turn  away  from  the  beggarly  ele- 
ments of  the  world,  and  press  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  your  high  calling  in  Christ  Jesus.? 
There  is  no  sorrow  there.  There  is  nothing  be- 
yond this  vale  of  tears  but  joy  and  everlasting 
bliss,  if  you  pass  through  the  dark  waters  of  the 
river  of  death  with  the  strength  of  Christ  about 
you.  I  would  desire  that  to-night  the  work  shall 
be  begun.  Defer  not  to  seek  Christ  to-night,  for 
this  night  your  soul  may  be  required  of  thee. 
This  night  you  may  hear  the  voice  of  God  saying, 
thus  far  shalt  thou  go  and  no  farther.  What, 
then,  will  be  the  anguish  of  your  heart — how  you 
will  cry  out  for  the  rocks  to  hide  you,  and  the 
mountains  to  fall  upon  you !  But  it  will  be  too 
late.  Now  is  the  accepted  time,  and  now  is  the 
day  of  salvation.     O  !  come  to  Jesus.     It  is  a  very 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  319 

delightful  thought  to  me,  that  sentiment,  "  Call 
while  He  is  near."  How  precious  the  soul  that 
trusts  in  God — to  feel  that  God  is  near!  Do  you 
suppose  that  Daniel  would  have  walked  the  lions* 
ien  if  he  did  not  believe  that  God  was  near  him  ? 
Unless  he  had  confidence  in  God  would  he  not 
have  prayed  earnestly  to  those  who  bound  him  to 
let  him  go  ?  and  would  even  have  recanted,  and 
said  that  he  would  no  longer  worship  this  God  ? 
He  knew  that  the  lions  were  hungry,  and  he  ex- 
pected to  have  been  eaten  immediately ;  but  he 
knew  whom  he  trusted,  and  had  confidence  in ; 
and  he  knew  that  if  he  had  then  passed  away 
from  earth  that  he  would  be  passing  into  glory. 
How  good  it  is  for  a  Christian,  when  his  work  is 
done,  to  go  to  his  rest!  for  there  is  no  rest  here. 
For  myself,  when  I  look  upon  the  world,  I  am  led 
to  exclaim,  Let  me  go — why  should  I  tarry  here  t 
What  has  earth  to  bind  me  here  ?  There  is  noth- 
ing here  but  pain,  and  death,  and  sorrow,  and  an- 
guish, and  grief,  and  fear.  I  have  gathered  the 
brightest  flowers  ;  but  I  have  seen  them,  after  a 
day  or  two,  fade  and  die.  Let  me  go — it  is  Jesus 
that  calls  me.  Let  me  gain  the  realms  of  day, 
I  pant  for  the  life  as  the  hart  panteth  for  the 
water-brooks.  I  long  for  Jesus.  I  desire  to  go 
home.  Why }  Because  I  shall  not  only  be  en- 
abled to  say  that  Jesus  is  near  me,  but  I  shall 
22 


320        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON   VAN  COTT. 

bask  in  the  sunlight  of  his  countenance.  Glorj 
be  to  Christ !  What  an  anticipation  there  is  in 
reserve  for  a  child  of  God,  and  yet  I  sometimes 
feel  that  I  am  the  very  lowest  of  all  God's  chil- 
dren !  But,  glory  be  to  God,  I  can  do  as  the 
publican  did — I  can  smite  upon  my  breast  and 
cry,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

"  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way."  You  would 
do  well  to  take  the  text  to  heart.  You  have  been 
living  as  you  began,  and  yet  you  are  without 
hope  in  the  world.  If  at  this  moment  you  were 
called  into  the  presence  of  God,  with  terror, 
shrinking,  tremblings,  and  despair,  you  would  cry 
out,  Spare,  O  spare  me.  But,  friends,  do  not 
procrastinate.  Procrastination  is  the  thief  of  time, 
and  I  would  urge  upon  the  wicked  to  forsake  his 
way.  The  prophet  says,  "  Let  the  wicked  for- 
sake his  way."  And  I  would  say  to  that  man 
there.  What  hinders  you  to  give  your  heart  to  the 
Savior.**  He  would  say,  "I  would  do  it  if  it  were 
not  for  the  scoffs,  the  sneers,  and  the  expressions 
of  scorn  that  I  should  call  down  upon  my  head. 
I  would  hear  my  companions  laugh  at  me,  and  I 
should  be  an  outcast  from  society.  The  sacrifice 
is  too  great."  But  tell  me,  if  to-night  death 
should  approach  you,  do  you  think  that  those 
whom  you  now  fear  could  go  any  further  with 
you  than  the  gates  of  death  .?     Beyond  that  A^ould 


IN  THE  PULPIT.  321 

be — what  ?  There  would  be  eternal  destruction. 
And  could  you  for  a  moment  to-night  look  down 
into  that  dismal  abode  of  misery,  and  ask  those 
who  have  sat  with  you,  "What  have  you  gained 
by  leading  a  life  of  folly  ?"  they  would  cry  out,  as 
the  smoke  of  their  agony  would  arise,  "  For  God's 
sake,  escape  this  eternal  burning."  They  would 
cry  out,  as  did  Dives,  the  rich  man,  for  you  to  dip 
your  finger  in  water  and  touch  their  parched 
tongues  ;  but  this  small  favor  would  be  denied 
you.  How  can  you,  as  a  reasonable,  as  a  think- 
ing human  and  immortal  being — in  God's  name 
tell  me,  friends,  how  can  you  tarry  longer  upon 
the  everlasting  brink  of  despair,  when  we  offer 
you  a  bright  home  in  glory }  By  and  by  they 
shall  fold  your  hands  across  your  lifeless  breast, 
and  they  shall  place  you  beneath  the  clods,  where 
corruption  and  the  worms  shall  destroy  the  flesh. 
But  in  a  few  brief  days  the  trumpet  shall  sound, 
and  be  calling  you  to  appear  before  the  judgment- 
seat  of  Christ,  there  to  answer  for  the  deeds  done 
m  the  body  to-night,  and  to  answer  for  that  long 
catalogue  of  sins  that  already  blacken  the  pages 
Df  the  book  of  life.  How  are  you  to  answer? 
How  can  you  answer  for  a  life  misspent  ?  How 
can  you,  with  all  this  code  of  sin  upon  you,  ex« 
pect  to  hear  Him  say,  "  Come,  thou  blessed  of 
my  Father?"     But  that  Jesus  will   sit  as  your 


322 


MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


Judge,  and  he  calls  to-night  upon  you  to  forsake 
your  evil  ways.  O  how  I  wish  I  could  only  in- 
duce you  to  come  to  him  to-day — at  once.  I 
wish  I  could  persuade  you  to  forsake  that  wicked 
way  of  yours. 

Will  you  just  weigh  matters  with  me  to  see 
how  they  will  balance.''  You  have  to-night  eter- 
nal life  offered  you,  without  money  and  without 
price.  "If  I  could  only  gain  it  in  some  possible 
way,"  said  a  gentleman  to  me,  "  if  I  could  only 
buy  it,  I  would  give  all  that  I  was  worth."  •  "  But," 
I  said  to  him,  "we  have  no  such  eternal  life  to 
offer  you.  It  is  to  come  without  money  and  with- 
out price,  and  receive  it.  Will  you  accept  it .?" 
said  I.  He  said  he  would  consider  about  it.  "  If 
you  do  not  accept  to-night,"  said  I,  "you  will 
lose  your  soul  for  life  everlasting ;  but,  if  you 
accept  it,  you  will  bear  the  scorn  and  the  scoffs 
of  your  companions  for  a  brief  moment,  and  save 
your  soul  eternally,  and  have  abundant  peace  for 
evermore.  Tell  me  which  you  will  have."  "By 
all  means  I  will  have  eternal  life.  I  want  to  en- 
ter heaven,  and  spend  a  blissful  eternity."  "Are 
you  willing,  then,  to  take  up  the  cross  T'  asked  I, 
'*■  separate  yourself  from  the  world,  and  persevere 
in  good  works,  and  follow  Christ .?"  "  I  should 
like  to  think  upon  it,"  replied  he,  "  and  I  will  tell 
you  to-morrow."     "If  you  wait  till  to-monow,  it 


IN  THE  PULPir. 


J^l 


will  be  too  late  ;  you  must  do  it  whi  e  God  says 
it  is  to-day."  I  then  turned  and  left  him  ;  but 
as  I  passed  him  after  a  while  in  the  passage,  he 
said,  "  Are  you  sure  it  is  the  last  call  ?"  I  said, 
"It  is  the  last  call."  "Then  I  must  seek  it  now, 
to-night,  for  I  never  thought  that  I  was  such  a 
sinner  as  I  am." 

I  hope  that  every  man  and  woman  will  seek 
eternal  life  now,  so  that  if  death  should  come  be- 
tween to-night  and  the  morrow,  you  will  be  ready 
to  enter  heaven.  If  there  is  any  thing  that  looks 
mean  and  contemptible,  it  is  for  a  man  to  live  on 
in  his  wickedness  day  after  day,  until  he  sees  death 
coming,  and  then  turn  round  and  call  with  all  his 
soul,  saying,  "  Lord  save  me,  I  perish !"  If  it 
were  not  for  his  infinite  mercy  he  would  turn  his 
back  upon  him.  But  he  has  received  pleas  for 
mercy  at  the  last  hour.  But  then  how  does  that 
plea  look  when  the  angels  raise  a  cry  of  praise  "i 
It  would  seem  as  if  such  a  person  would  be 
ashamed  to  join  in  the  anthem.  It  would  seem 
that  a  person  coming  into  heaven  on  such  a 
prayer  as  that,  at  the  very  last  hour,  would  hang 
ilown  his  head  in  confusion.  It  seems  as  if  he 
went  into  heaven  with  the  door  just  opened  wide 
enough  to  let  him  in,  and  no  more.  Glory  be  to 
God !  I  am  looking  forward  to  the  call  of  the 
Savior,  when  he  shall  say,  "  Come  up  higher."     I 


324         MRS.  MAGGIE  A'EVVTON  VAN  COTT. 

do  not  want  to  feel  that  the  gates  of  heaven 
should  just  open  wide  enough  to  let  me  get  in, 
though  God  knows  I  shall  be  satisfied  to  take  the 
lowest  seat,  and  feel  that  it  is  far  more  than  I  de- 
serve. O,  glory  be  to  God !  I  can  ask  you  to  join 
the  army  of  God.  Let  the  unrighteous  man  for- 
sake his  thoughts.  You  are  so  given  to  thoughts, 
and  these  are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord. 
You  are  invited  to  forsake  your  thoughts,  and  re- 
turn unto  the  Lord.  Can  you  not  see  in  the 
Lsraelitish  camp  how  they  have  given  themselves 
over  to  idolatry,  and  they  have  made  them  a 
molten  calf,  and  God  sends  fiery  serpents  among 
them,  and  they  are  bitten  with  a  poisoned  fang ; 
but,  as  the  venom  passes  through  all  their  veins, 
a  proclamation  is  heard  throughout  the  camp  that 
Moses  has  made  another  serpent,  and  that  every 
one  who  looks  upon  it  shall  be  made  whole.  But 
one  says.  It  is  all  nonsense  ;  I  will  not  look  upon 
it.  How  can  a  brazen  serpent  assist  me  .'*  But 
he  is  induced  to  do  so  just  as  the  light  of  life  was 
leaving,  and  he  is  saved.  The  Lamb  of  God  has 
power  in  him  to  save  you,  sinner,  if  you  will  on\y 
look.  You  remember,  young  man,  that,  when 
you  knelt  beside  the  bed  of  that  sainted  mother, 
and  she  said,  "My  son,  will  you  meet  me  in 
heaven  .?"  you  promised,  "  By  God's  help  I  will." 
Have    you    kept    that    promise .?     No ;    you    are 


IN  THE  rULPIT. 


325 


deeper  than  ever  in  your  sins.  Take  your  Bible, 
go  into  your  closet,  and  pray  God  that  he 
will  brush  out  the  iniquities  which  darken  the 
page  of  life,  with  the  blood  of  Jesus.  God,  for 
Christ's  sake,  will  answer  your  prayei .  May  God 
grant  that  we  all  meet  in  heaven!  God  blesa 
you !     Amen. 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 


SHALL  WOMEN  PREACH? 


HE  right  of  women  to  preach  in  the 
Church  has  been,  and  is  still,  a  question 
of  much  controversy.  There  have  been 
a  great  many  learned  authorities  quoted  on  both 
sides  ;  but,  after  a  careful  investigation,  we  un- 
hesitatingly give  it  as  our  opinion,  that  tradition, 
the  Scriptures,  and  the  weight  of  learned  authori- 
ties, are  on  the  affirmative  side  of  this  question. 

In  concluding  this  work  it  is  proper  that  we 
should  devote  a  chapter  to  the  consideration  of 
this  important  subject. 

That  women  were  degraded  by  the  Old  World 
is  patent  to  every  historian  ;  but  she  was  in  more 
honor  among  the  Jews  than  with  any  other 
nation. 

In  the  book  of  Judges,  fourth  chapter  and 
fourth  verse,  we  read  :  "  And  Deborah,  a  prophet- 
ess, the  wife  of  Lapidoth,  judged  Israel  at  that 


SHALL  WOMEN  PREACH?  327 

time,     .     .     .     and   the  children  of  Israel   came 
up  to  her  for  judgment." 

She  was  supreme,  both  in  civil  and  religious 
affairs.  She  appointed  Barak  to  a  generalship 
which  reveals  her  power  in  the  State.  The 
Divine  Spirit  rested  upon  her,  and  she  guided  the 
army  by  the  spirit  of  prophecy. 

Again  :  In  2  Kings  xxii,  14,  we  read :  "  Huldah, 
the  prophetess,  .  .  .  dwelt  in  Jerusalem,  in 
the  college,  and  they  communed  with  her  there, 
and  she  said  unto  them,  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,"  etc. ;  and  then  follows  her  proph- 
ecy concerning  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

"At  this  time,"  says  Dr.  Clarke,  ''Jeremiah 
was  certainly  a  prophet  in  Israel,  but  it  is  likely 
he  now  dwelt  at  AnatJioth,  and  could  not  be  read- 
ily consulted  ;  ZepJianiah  also  prophesied  under 
this  reign,  but  probably  he  had  not  yet  begun ; 
Hilkiah  was  higJi-priest,  and  the  priest's  lips 
should  retain  knowledge.  Shaphan  was  scribe, 
and  must  have  been  conversant  in  sacred  affairs 
to  have  been  at  all  fit  for  his  office :  and  yet  Hid- 
dah,  a  prophetess,  of  whom  we  know  nothing  bu.t 
by  this  circumstance,  is  consulted  on  the  meaning 
of  the  book  of  the  law ;  for  the  secret  of  the  Lord 
was  neither  with  Hilkiah  the  high-priest,  Shap- 
hati-  the  scribe,  nor  any  other  of  the  servants  of 
the  King,  or  ministei's  of  the  temple !     We  find 


328         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

from  this,  and  we  have  many  facts  in  all  ages  to 
corroborate  it,  that  a  pontiff,  a  pope,  a  bishop,  or 
a  priest,  may,  in  some  cases,  not  possess  the  true 
knowledge  of  God  ;  and  that  a  simple  womauy 
possessing  the  life  of  God  in  her  soul,  may  have 
more  knowledge  of  the  Divine  testimonies  than 
many  of  those  whose  office  it  is  to  explain  and 
enforce  them." 

Dr.  Priestly  says :  "  It  pleased  God  to  distin- 
guish several  women  with  the  spirit  of  prophecy, 
as  well  as  other  great  attainments,  to  show  that 
in  his  sight,  and  especially  in  things  of  a  spirit- 
ual nahire,  there  is  no  essential  pre-eminence  in 
the  male  sex,  though  in  some  things  the  female 
be  subject  to  the  male." 

The  prophecy  of  Joel,  we  think,  is  conclusive 
on  this  point :  "  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  after- 
ward that  I  will  pour  out  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh  ; 
and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy, 
your  old  men  shall  dream  dreams,  your  young 
men  shall  see  visions.  And  also  upon  the  serv- 
ants and  upon  the  handmaids  in  those  days  will  I 
pour  out  my  Spirit."     Joel  ii,  28,  29. 

^' Prophesy  I'  says  Dr.  Clarke,  "means  shall 
preach,  exhort,  pray  and  instruct,  so  as  to  benefit 
the  Church."  "  The  gifts  of  teaching  and  in- 
structing men  shall  not  be  restricted  to  any  one 
class  or  order  of  people." 


SHALL   WOMEN  PREACH f  329 

Dr.  Clarke  says  again  on  this — Acts  ii,  i,  7 — 
"  The  word  prophesy  is  not  to  be  understood  here 
as  implying  the  knowledge  and  discovery  of  future 
events,  but  signifies  to  teach  and  proclaim  the 
great  truths  of  God,  especially  those  which  con* 
C^erned  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ," 

Thus  we  see,  by  reference  to  Acts  ii,  18,  that 
on  these  handmaidens  the  Spirit  of  God  was 
poured  out,  and  as  the  result  tJiey  did  prophesy,  or, 
if  you  please,  "  teach  and  proclaim  the  great 
truths  of  God."  On  this  verse  Dr.  Clarke  says : 
"  Under  the  Gospel  dispensation,  neither  bojid  nor 
free,  male  nox  female,  is  excluded  from  sharing  in 
the  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Divine  Spirit."  ''He 
is  ever  free  to  use  his  own  gifts  in  his  own  way, 
.  .  .  that  we  may  see  the  conversion  of  men 
is  not  by  human  might,  nor  power,  but  by  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  of  hosts." 

As  the  apostle  Paul  is  so  frequently  quoted  as 
opposed  to  women's  preaching,  let  us  see  if  there 
is  any  just  ground  for  such  supposed  opposition. 
In  doing  so  it  will  be  necessary  to  examine  the 
preceding  chapters  to  the  one  in  which  occurs 
the  passage,  "  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in 
the  churches,"  in  order  to  ascertain  his  true 
meaning. 

From  his  first  letter  to  the  Corinthians  it  is 
evident   that    false   teachers    had    caused    great 

24 


330        MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

trouble  in  the  Church,  and  into  which  there  had 
crept  certain  abuses.  Of  these  things  he  had 
received  tidings,  and  in  order  to  correct  them  he 
sends  the  Church  a  clearly  defined  order  ol  doc- 
t:  ine  and  practice. 

In  the  fifth  chapter  he  gives  a  scathing  rebuke 
to  incestuous  persons,  and  closes  with  a  command 
to  the  Church  to  put  away  the  offenders  from 
among  them. 

In  chapter  vii  he  treats  almost  wholly  on  the 
marriage  state. 

In  chapter  viii,  "concerning  things  offered 
unto  idols,"  and  in  the  ninth  chapter  he  speaks 
of  the  true  liberty  which  pertained  to  godliness. 

In  chapter  xi,  4,  5,  we  have  these  words: 
"  Every  man  praying  or  prophesying,  having  his 
head  covered,  dishonoreth  his  head.  .But  every 
woman  that  prayeth  or  prophesieth  with  her  head 
uncovered,  dishonoreth  her  head." 

Whatever  may  be  the  meaning  oi  praying  and 
prophesying  in  respect  to  the  man,  they  have 
also  the  same  meaning  in  respect  to  the  woman 
So  that  some  women  at  least,  as  well  as  some 
men,  might  exhort,  comfort,  and  edify.  And  had 
there  not  been  such  gifts  bestowed  on  woman^ 
the  prophecy  of  Joel  could  not  have  had  its  ful- 
fillment. 

The  only  difference  marked  by  the  apostle  wa.s, 


SHALL   WOMEN  PREACH?  33 1 

the  man  had  his  head  uncovered,  and  the  wonan 
had  hers  covered. 

We  read  in  this  same  chapter  (xi),  verse  1 1  : 
"Nevertheless,  neither  is  the  man  without  the 
woman,  neither  the  woman  without  the  man,  in 
the  Lord."  And,  also,  we  read  in  Galatians 
iii,  28,  "  There  is  neither  male  nor  female  ;  for  )  e 
are  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Some  commentators  think  that  he  means  that 
men  and  women  equally  make  a  society,  and  in  it 
have  equal  rights  and  privileges. 

Concerning  the  abuses  carried  on  at  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's-Supper,  and  especially  their 
gluttony  and  di'iuikenness,  he  asks  most  em- 
phatically : 

"  What  !  have  ye  not  houses  to  eat  and  to 
drink  in  ;  or  despise  ye  the  Church  of  God,  and 
shame  them  that  have  not .?  What  shall  I  say  to 
you  }  Shall  I  praise  you  in  this .?  I  praise  you 
not." 

Chapter  xii  opens  concerning  "  spiritual  gifts," 
a  subject  about  which  they  appear  to  have  written 
to  the  apostle,  and  concerning  which  there  had 
doubtless  been  contentions  among  them.  And 
heie  follows  the  long  list  of  **  diversities  of  gifts," 
"wisdom,"  "knowledge,"  "faith,"  "gifts  of  heal- 
ing," "working  of  miracles,"  "prophecy,"  "dis- 
cerning of  spirits,"  etc. 


332         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COT! 

To  them  had  these  precious  gifts  been  given, 
and  they  were  exhorted  to  "  covet  earnestly  the 
best  gifts." 

Chapter  xiv  opens  with  directions  concerning 
the  speaking  in  unknown  tongues.  And  the 
aposlle  gives  a  specific  rule  in  verse  28 : 

"  Jf  there  be  no  interpreter,  let  him  keep  silence 

in  the  church,"  (atydrio  'ev  ixxXTjffca.) 

Here  the  command  rests  upon  the  man,  and 
for  a  definite  purpose. 

Verse  30  reads,  "  If  miy  thing  be  revealed  to 
another  that  sitteth  by,  let  the  first  hold  his 
peace,"  (o  r.pwTo^  fftydrw.)  This  may  be  applied  to 
the  whole  Church  of  Corinth,  where  there  had 
been  "  contentions,"  as  announced  in  the  opening 
chapter,  and  all  the  long  list  of  evils  that  had 
crept  in  to  disturb  the  Church.  Their  babel  of 
tongues  must  cease,  and  he  gave  command  by 
authority.  The  women  also  had  been  in  error, 
and  to  correct  them  he  said  to  the  Church, 

"  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the  churches." 
Verse  34. 

This,  says  Dr.  Lange,  may  be  translated,  "  Let 
the  women  keep  silence  in  your  c/mirhes*'  show- 
ing most  conclusively  that  it  was  to  this  Church 
alone  that  the  command  was  given. 

And  he  continues,  concerning  the  women,  "  If 
they  will  learn  any  thing,  let  them  ask  their  bus- 


SHALL   WOMEN  PR  EACH  7  333 

bands  at  home,  for  it  is  a  shame  for  women  to 
speak  in  the  church,"  where  they  are  guilty  of  such 
gross  misdemeanors  as  well  as  the  men. 

This  verse  can  not  be  taken  in  a  general  seftse^ 
for  untold  numbers  of  them  had  no  husbandSy  and 
could  never  commune  of  heavenly  things  "  at 
home." 

Again,  the  learned  apostle  was  not  ignorant  of 
the  past  history  of  his  nation,  and  the  exercise 
of  the  gift  of  prophecy  that  rested  upon  Miriam, 
Huldah,  Naodiah,  Deborah,  and  Anna.  And 
besides  these  in  the  new  dispensation,  Philip  had 
"four  daughters,  virgins,  which  did  prophesy." 
Acts  xxi,  9. 

"  These  gifts,"  says  Dr.  Alexander,  "  were  to 
servants  of  both  sexes,  and  to  daughters  as  well 
as  sons." 

Thus  after  twenty  years  from  the  ascension  of 
Christ,  the  Spirit  of  prophecy  rested  upon  the 
daughters  of  an  evangelist,  who  had  been  a  fol- 
lower of  the  Lord,  and  doubtless  was  numbered 
among  the  "  one  hundred  and  twenty." 

Aquila  and  Priscilla  became  famous  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  early  Church.  They  were  natives  of 
Pontus,  by  occupation  tent-makers,  and  received 
the  word  of  truth  from  Paul,  and  became  his 
helpers  in  the  Gospel.  When  Apollos  came  to 
Ephesus,  "Aquila  and  Priscilla     .     .     took  hin^ 


334         MRS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

unto  them,  and  expounded  unto  them  the  way 
of  God  more  perfectly." 

At  the  time  this  epistle  was  written,  they  were 
still  at  Ephesus,  and  sent  salutations  to  "the 
church  that  was  in  their  house." 

Again,  in  Romans  xvi,  i,  we  read,  "  I  commend 
unto  you  Phoebe,  our  sister,  which  is  a  servant  of 
the  church  which  is  at  Cenchrea."  "  Our  trans- 
lators have  hardly  done  Phoebe  justice  in  translat- 
ing didy.ovov,  Servant y  and  Tpoardnq^  succorer ;  for 
the  former  is  the  term  for  deaconess  or  ministrUy 
and  the  latter  is  patroness,  being  radically  the 
same  word  as  is  rendered  *  ke  that  ruletJil  in  chap- 
ter xi,  8.  The  ability  and  eminence  of  Phoebe 
appears  from  the  apostle's  earnest  commendation, 
from  these  her  titles,  from  her  travel  and  business, 
and,  as  Renan  in  his  flippant  style  expresses  it, 
*  She  bore  in  the  folds  of  her  robe  the  whole 
future  of  the  Christian  theology  —  the  writing 
which  was  to  regulate  the  fate  of  the  world.' 
When  Phoebe  brought  this  great  epistle  to  the 
elders  at  Rome,  it  was,  doubtless,  read  in  public. 

"  She  was  a  lady  of  wealth,  a  housekeeper,  and 
probably  a  widow.  Hence  she  was  an  enter- 
tainer and  patroness  of  her  fellow  Christians. 

"  That  Phoebe  was  not  merely  a  servitor,  doing 
menial  work,  but  an  official,  appears  from  the 
patronizing   character   which    Paul    assigns   her 


SHALL  WOMEN  PREACH >  335 

Hence,  when,  no  later  than  A.  D.  104,  we  find 
that  Pliny  writes  that  he  selected  two  fen)ales 
*who  were  called  (ministrae)  ministresses'  for  tor- 
ture, to  extract  information  against  Christians, 
we  see  no  reason  to  doubt  that  we  have  here  the 
apostolic  origin  of  a  female  deaconshipr 

"  The  separation  of  the  sexes  might,  in  Greek 
and  Roman  sections,  require  this  office,  not  only 
in  regard  to  temporalities,  but  in  regard  to  more 
spiritual  offices  for  the  female  part  of  the  Church. 
The  apostolic  Church  admitted  woman's  social 
prayer  with  covered  head  (see  above) ;  it  admit- 
ted prophetesses  (or  preacheresses),  the  four 
daughters  of  Philip,  and  it  admitted  deaconesses." 
Dr,   Whedon. 

Concerning  Aquila  and  Priscilla,  they  again 
appear  before  the  Church,  in  Rom.  xvi,  3  :  "  Greet 
Priscilla  [notice  the  position]  and  Aquila,  my 
helpers  in  Christ  Jesus  :  who  for  my  life  have 
laid  down  their  own  necks  :  unto  whom  not  only 
I  give  thanks,  but  also  all  the  Churches  of  the 
Gentiles." 

"  Jiinia — verse  7 — is  doubtless  the  name  of  a 
female,  wife  or  sister  of  Andronicus.  This 
appears  from  their  names  being  coupled,  like 
Priscilla  and  Aquila.  Tryphena  and  Tryphosa, 
perhaps,  are  sisters,  or  are  coupled  from  the  allit- 
eration," (names  nearly  alike.) — Dr.  Whedon. 


336       Mh'S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

"  It  is  clear, '  says  Dr.  Lange,  "  that  the  early 
Church  was  formed  quite  as  much  upon  the  house- 
hold model  as  upon  that  of  the  synagogue.  No 
form  of  Church  government  should  ignore  this,  nor 
can  Christianity  make  true  progress  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  family.  As  the  religion  of  Jesus 
Christ  has  sanctified  household  relations,  and  ele- 
vated them  all,  the  question  thtn'is,  how  far  is  the 
Church  resp07isible  for  the  moral  decay  in  social 
lifer 

"We  become  best  acquainted,"  continues  the 
same  author,  "with  the  office  of  deaconess  in 
apostolic  times  from  the  Pastoral  Epistles.  The 
form  of  the  office  in  the  early  Church  was  suc- 
ceeded, in  the  middle  ages,  by  the  religious  orders, 
whkh  assumed,  besides,  a  qualified  missionary 
function.  Recent  times  have  attempted  glorious 
things  in  relation  to  this  office,  and  have  accom- 
plished great  results." 

In  Mosheim's  History  of  Christianity,  vol.  i, 
p.  179,  we  find  the  following  concerning  the  com- 
position of  the  early  Christian  Church  :  "  Every 
Church  was  composed  of  three  constituent  parts ; 
1st.  Teachers,  who  were  also  interested  with  the 
government  of  the  community,  according  to  the 
laws  ;  2d.  Ministers  of  each  sex  ;  and  3d.  The 
multitude  of  the  people." 

Again,  says  this  distinguished  historian  :  "  The 


SHALL    WOMEA   PREACH?  33/ 

Church  had  ever  belonging  to  it,  even  from  its 
very  first  rise,  a  class  of  ministers,  composed  of 
persons  of  either  sex,  and  who  were  termed 
deacons  and  deaconesses!' 

"  Christ  did  not  overlook  or  underestimate  the 
agency  of  woman  in  the  diffusion  of  the  Goj-pel, 
Women  were  present  in  the  pentecostal  chamber, 
and  shared  in  the  pentecostal  baptism.  Women 
were  co-workers  with  the  apostles,  in  all  their 
apostolic  labors. 

"A  woman  preached  Christ  in  Samaria,  before 
Philip. 

"The  first  Christian  sermon  on  the  continent  of 
Europe  was  preached  in  a  woman's  prayer-meet- 
ing, and  the  first  convert  was  a  woman.  (See 
Acts  xvi,  13.)" — Selected. 

The  apostolic  salutations  show  how  diligently 
women  "  labored  in  the  Lord,"  as  ''AppJiia^'  "  the 
elect  lady,"  and  others  before  mentioned. 

A  woman  washed  the  Savior's  feet  and  wiped 
tliem  with  her  hair.  A  woman  was  last  at  the 
cross  and  the  first  at  the  tomb  of  the  Savior. 
The  first  viessenger  of  the  resurrection  of  CJirist 
uas  a  woman. 

We,   therefore,   readily   conclude    that   women 

HAVE    the    right   TO    PREACH 


CHAPTER   XIX. 


PEN   PICTURES. 


T  has  been  truthfully  said,  "no  one 
can  write  up  a  complete  sketch  of 
Mrs.  Van  Cott."  We  have  had  as 
good  an  o'pportunity  to  try  this  as 
any  person  could  wish,  but  all  rules  and  pre- 
cedents fail  when  applied  to  this  subject.  As 
in  the  folds  of  a  costly  robe  there  are  light  and 
dark  shades  varied  constantly  by  the  angle  of 
vision,  so  of  the  outward  adorniiigs  of  this  soul. 
We  have  chosen  the  following,  taken  from  the 
press  as  they  have  appeared  from  time  to  time, 
believing  that  the  reader  will  get  a  better  idea 
of  Mrs.  Van  Cott  than  by  selecting  any  one 
leading  article. 

HER    VOICE. 

"Her  voice  is  finely  cultivated,  sweetly  musical,  and  of 
wonderful  compass." — Methodist  Borne  Journal. 

"It  was  at  once  evident  that  lier  voice  had  been  broken  by 
severe  usage,  but  though  hoarse  and  out  of  tune,  there  was  a 


PEN  PICTURES.  339 

potent  force,  uot  unmelodious,  that  satisfied  the  listener." — 
E.  M.  K. 

"  Her  voice,  husky  from  long  use,  soon  acquires  a  clearness 
that  enables  it  to  ring  out  with  perfect  intonations;  and  a 
dramatic  power  is  evinced  which  reminds  one  of  the  descrip- 
tions of  Whitefield,  whom  GaiTick,  the  actor,  visited  to  leam 
the  secret  of  the  great  orator's  popularity." — Christian  Register. 

"She  has  a  voice  of  wonderful  volume  and  sweetness,  and 
a  native  grace  of  delivery  that  is  rarely  seen  even  in  the  best 
speakers." — Baltimore  American. 

"She  is  an  orator.  Her  voice  is  finely  cultivated,  sweetly 
musical,  and  of  great  compass."— Southwestern,  New  Orleans. 

"Her  voice  is  powerful." — Woburn  Advertiser,  Mass. 

"Befort  she  spoiled  it,  must  have  been  one  of  sweetness, 
power,  and  much  flexibility,  and  is  still,  in  spite  of  its  broken- 
ness,  an  instrument  of  great  efiectiveness. " — The  Index,  Mil- 
waukee, Wis. 

"She  has  a  voice  of  great  power  but  of  no  compass.  She 
expends  about  four  times  as  much  energy  as  is  necessaiy. 
Indeed  a  tithe  of  the  voice  employed,  properly  modulated, 
would  X)roduce  far  greater  effects.  The  shock  produced  upon 
a  stranger  by  the  high  key  in  which  she  pitches  her  voice, 
and  by  the  loud,  harsh  notes  vriih  which  she  announces  her 
hymn,  is  sufficiently  unpleasant. " — New  England  Corresponded. 

"Her  voice  is  deep,  heavy,  and  well  trained." — The  Sentinel, 
Milwaukee,  Wis. 

"Her  voice  is  very  strong,  but  pitched  on  an  unpleasant 
key,  with  a  peculiar  provincialism  of  accent ;  and  her  articu- 
lation is  quite  faulty." — Chicago  Correspondent  of  The  Inde- 
pendent, N.  Y. 

*  A  fine,  flexible  voice,  a  vehement  delivery,  and  a  dramatio 
power  of  expression  which  Eistori  can  hardly  excel." — Neio 
Yoi'k  Herald. 


340 


3ms.  MAGGIE  XI' WTO N  VAN  COTT. 


"None  but  the  best  lungs  could  produce  and  maintain  such 
a  volume  of  sound." — Chicago  Eve.  Journal. 

"She  commanded  her  audience  completely,  with  a  queen- 
liness  that  was  all  womanly  and  in  no  respects  masculine. 
Her  voice  was  strong  and  vigorous,  slightly  rough,  and  mas- 
tered the  large  space  through  which  it  was  addressed  witl- 
ease." — Springfield  Republican,  Mass. 

HER    READING. 

'•  She  can  read,  or  rather  recite,  a  chapter  from  the  Sacred 
Scriptures  with  such  dramatic  effect  as  to  enrapture  those  who 
listen." — Baltimore  American. 

"She  is  a  wretched  Scripture-reader,  galloping  through  a 
chapter  in  a  swinging  gait,  that  disregards  alike  natural  pauses 
and  emphasis.  Quite  different,  however,  is  her  rendering  of 
hymns,  in  which  she  displays  unusual  power,  reading  them 
slowly  and  with  much  dramatic  fervor  and  effect." — The  Inde- 
pendent, Chicago  Correspondent. 

"Ministers  generally  would  do  well  to  learn  of  her  how  to 
read  the  Scriptures  and  hymns  in  their  congregations." — J5os- 
ton  Chronicle. 

"Her  reading  is  equal  to  Murdock's.  In  modulation  and 
inflection  she  has  scarcely  a  superior." — Methodist  Home  Jour- 
nal, Fhila. 

"A  woman  of  wonderful  gifts,  a  trained  elocutionist,  with 
a  voice  musical  as  the  tones  of  a  silver  bell  and  a  manner 
highly  dramatic." — Weekly  Pilot,  Jackson,  Miss. 

"Her  voice  is  very  strong  and  quite  coarse.  There  is  not 
one  element  of  sweetness  in  it;  and  when  it  is  used  to  the  full- 
est extent,  it  becomes  painfully  harsh  and  shrill.  Her  elocu- 
tion is  defective  in  every  respect." — E.  E.  IIoss,  Pacific  Meth- 
odist, San  Francisco,  Dec.  19,  1873. 

"She  reads  the  Scriptures  with  the  utmost  appreciation  and 


PEN  PICT  (IRES. 


341 


great  dramatic  pov/er  of  expression. " — E.  M.  K.,  Salem  Gazetfe, 
Mass. 

"Her  reading  raniio  with  Murdock.  Her  modulation  and 
Inflection  are  superior,  and  while  at  times  her  gestures  are 
vehement,  they  are  appropriate  and  graceful." — Souihwesiem, 
A'sic  Orleans. 

"  Although  the  words  of  both  hymn  and  Scripture  are  famil- 
iar, they  are  so  rendered  that  they  fall  upon  the  ear  as  some- 
thing entirely  new." — The  Daily  America7i,  Lawrence,  Mass. 

"Her  reading  is  of  the  highest  elocutionary  order." — CkiH- 
fornia  Christian  Advocate. 

"Now  she  is  reading  the  hymn,  and  though  that  hymn  be 
familiar  to  us  from  childhood,  her  unrivalled  elocution  confers 
upon  it  a  sentiment  and  power  we  never  realized  before,  Sim 
ilar  is  the  Scripture  lesson.  By  intonation  and  manner,  it  is 
invested  with  new  meaning." — Zion's  Herald,  Boston. 

HER    GESTURES. 

"Her  gestures  are  almost  faultless." — Omaha  Uerald,  Xcb. 

"Her  gesticulation  is  free,  sometimes  violent,  and  graceful 
rather  than  otherwise.  Occasionally,  however,  she  makes  a 
very  awkward  movement,  as  for  instance,  when  she  endeav- 
ored to  represent  the  woman  who  came  to  the  Sepulchre  bear- 
ing spices,  by  taking  hold  of  the  skirts  of  her  ganneuts  with 
both  hands  and  trudging  from  one  side  of  the  pulpit  to  the 
other." — E.  E.  Hoss,  Pacific  Methodist,  San  Francisco,  Dec.  19, 
1873. 

"She  stalks  to  and  fro  on  the  rostrum  like  a  'Juliet,'  ges- 
ticulating earnestly  and  with  a  good  deal  of  dramatic  effect." — 
Correspondent  Chicago  Evening  Journal. 

"Her  manner  is  decidedly  aggressive,  resolute,  and  replete 
with  self-assertion;  but  it  does  not  repel,  it  merely  seems  to 
say,  'I  know  the  importance  of  my  theme  and  am  come  armed 
with  authority  to  command  attention. '  That  is  clearly  enough 
the  key-note  of  her  action." — JanesvUle  Daily  Gazette,  Wis. 


242  ^^S-  MAGGIE  NEWTOy  VAN  COTT. 

HER    EDUCATION. 

"  She  has  no  proper  theological  education.  Her  teachei  Laa 
been  the  word  of  God  made  'living  and  powerful'  through 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Some  of  us  have  accumulated  learning  to 
the  neglect  of  the  spii'it  of  holiness.  .  .  .  The  power  of 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  Ues  in  the  fulness  she  enjoys  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  She  carries  with  her  manifestly  the  King's  seal,  the 
Holy  Spirit."— T/ie  Occident,  CuL,  Dr.  Burrows. 

"To  judge  by  her  pulpit  efforts,  the  lady's  education  was 
limited,  or,  at  least,  had  no  reference  specially  to  her  present 
business." — Essex  Eagle,  Lawrence,  Mass. 

"Her  learning  is  not  of  the  schools.  She  knows  little 
about  theology  as  a  science,  probably  nothing,  scholars  being 
judges.  She  never  had  the  least  'theological  education'  so 
called,  which  is  often  an  education  without  theology." — 
Bishop  Gilbert  Haven. 

"  Yet  there  is  nothing  extravagant  in  her  theology  or  in  her 
doings.  In  frequent  attendance  on  her  services,  we  heard 
nothing  but  the  truths  jprecious  in  common  to  all  hearts 
taught  of  God  and  aglow  with  love  to  Jesus." — Dr.  Burrows. 

"  In  bearing,  in  dress,  in  delicacy,  in  manners,  a  refined 
lady  by  birth  and  education." — Anon. 

"  She  is  a  lady  of  education  and  ability,  speaks  plainly  and 
earnestly,  and  pronounces  either,  eyther." — Daily  Northwest- 
ern, Wis. 

"Mrs.  Van  Cott  is  a  lady  of  culture  and  refinement,  and 
one  who  occupies  the  highest  social  position." — Omalia  Ue- 
publican. 

"In  the  first  place  she  is  marvellously  gifted.  Nature  has 
endowed  her  with  certain  qualities  and  capabilities  which  nei- 
ther culture  nor  experience  can  give." — Baltimore  American. 

HER    DESCRIPTIVE    POWERS. 
'Her  descriptive  powers  are  scarcely  equalled." — Omaha 
Herald. 


;.vzv  PICTURES.  343 

''V^*j.  V.Mi  Oott  ii?  In  possession  of  wonderful  cler-:criptive 
power,  sold  can  picxore  scenes  with  sucii  vividness  as  to  Lring 
them  right  Dv^iOre  ine  mind's  eye.  There  is  also  wonderful 
power  in  her  lan.<2niage  which — seemingly  extempore — is  so 
impressive,  and  withal,  so  well  chosen,  as  to  rivet  the  atten- 
tion and  delight  the  hearer." — Lawrence  American,  3Iass. 

"The  personages  she  describes  are  li^ing  and  moving  bf>- 
fore  you,  so  intense  is  the  mental  picturesqueness  of  her  style. 
The  woman  that  toucaed  the  hem  of  Christ's  garment,  and 
was  made  whole  by  faith,  was  there  forcing  her  way  to  His 
side,  through  the  dense  throng,  and  falling  at  his  feet  in  the 
deep  abasement  of  her  soul.  The  maniac,  whose  woes  the 
preacher  had  for  years  labored  to  assuage,  was  printed  on  the 
sensorium  of  every  hearer.  "—Ja^iesui/^e  Daily  Gazette,  JVis. 

"  Marvellous  is  her  ready  command  of  imagery,  taken  alike 
from  Scripture  and  nature.  She  seldom  or  never  repeats  her- 
self, but  always  presents  something  new,  fresh,  beautiful  and 
appropriate,  which  is  admirably  calculated  to  produce  the 
effect  she  desires." 

* '  She  spoke  of  the  Sa^aour — what  pictures  she  drew  ! 
The  scene  of  his  sufferings  rose  clear  on  the  view. 
The  Cross,  the  rude  Cross,  where  he  suffered  and  died, 
The  gush  of  bright  crimson  that  flowed  from  his  side, 
The  cup  of  his  son-ows,  the  wormwood  and  gall. 
The  darkness  that  mantled  the  earth  as  a  pall, 
The  garland  of  thorns,  and  the  demon-like  crews 
Who  knelt  as  they  scoffed—*  Hail,  King  of  the  Jews 
She  spoke,  and  it  seemed  that  her  statue-like  form 
Expanded  and  glowed  as  the  spirit  grew  warm — 
Her  tone  so  impassioned,  so  melting  her  air, 
As  touched  with  compassion,  she  ended  in  prayer.'* 

—  Watertown  Democrai. 

HER    SERMONS. 
"Her  sermons  are  curious,  characteristics  medleys,  a  grade 
iu  advance  of  an  exhortation,  made  up  without  much  attempt 


344 


MBS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


at  system,  of  personal  experience,  pertinent  narrative,  glo.ving 
word  pictures  of  glory  and  perdition  in  nearly  the  same  breath, 
melting,  imploring,  impassioned  appeal,  and  all  delivered  in 
alternating  calm,  recitative  monotone,  and  fiery  whirlwind 
noisy  outbursts,  that  fairly  entranced  and  magnetized  her  lis- 
teners."— Essex  Eagle,  Lawrence,  Mass. 

♦'  All  may  be  summed  up  in  the  phrase  of  Cicero,  the  great- 
est name  in  Roman  eloquence,  she,  *is  an  orator  born  not 
made.'  " — Watertovcn  Democrat. 

"  Her  talk  was  simply  a  loose,  disjointed  exhortation.  Be- 
tween it  and  the  text  there  was  no  possible  connection  .  .  . 
She  entered  into  a  detailed  account  of  her  religious  experience, 
speaking  some  things  that  were  passable,  some  that  were  dis- 
gusting, some  that  were  blasphemous." — E.  E.  Hoss,  Pacific 
Methodist,  San  Francisco,  Dec.  19,  1873. 

"Some  of  her  sermons  here  have  been  finished  discourses, 
and  most  of  them,  though  not  always  logical,  have  abounded 
in  passages  that  would  grace  the  sermons  of  the  most  honored 
in  the  church." — G.  W.  Frost  of  the  Omaha  Herald. 

' '  She  enters  with  great  earnestness  into  the  sermon.  Her 
logic  is  womanly.  She  leaps  at  conclusions.  She  waits  not 
to  prove  God's  existence,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  the 
'  two  hereafters,'  and  such  like,  she  takes  for  granted,  and  why 
not?  Every  body  believes,  so  she  thinks,  the  great  truths  of 
Christianity,  and  her  business  is  to  drive  them  home  to  every 
listener's  heart;  and  in  this  work  we  pronounce  her  a  suc- 
cess."— J.  S.  Whedon  ill  Zloii  s  Herald,  Boston. 

"  No  written  words  can  convey  an  adequate  impression  of 
the  power  that  held  us  us  we  sat,  wrapped  in  awe,  listening  to 
the  story  of  one  who  had  been  under  '  the  shadow  of  the 
Alniighty,'  and  whose  unutterable  faith  it  seemed  had  grasped 
the  arm  of  God."— £'.  31.  K.,  Salem  Gazette,  Mass. 

"Her  sermons  are  simply  informal,  familiar  talks,  making 
no  pretense  to  logic  or  argumcn  ;  she  has  much  skill  in  the  use 


FEN  FICTURE8.  34^ 

of  illustrative  incidents,  from  Bible  narratives  and  personal 
experience,  in  enforcing  her  appeals," — The  Independent,  N.  Y. 

*  *  Her  discourse  is  not  uniform.    Her  ideas  are  not  connected : 

and  though  she  sticks  tolerably  to  her  subject,  there  is  no  sus- 
tained train  of  reasoning.  .  .  .  One  thing  is  sure,  immense 
numbers  listen  to  the  word  thus  dispensed;  and  this  famous 
female  preacher  may  draw  multitudes,  who  can  be  reached 
in  no  other  way,  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth." — Vox 
Popidi,  Lowell,  2Iass. 

"Her  sermon  is  not  an  unfolding  of  the  text,  but  she  takes 
it  as  the  starting  point,  or  foundation  stone  upon  which  she 
constructs  again  the  whole  theory  of  salvation,  softening  not 
5ne  jot  of  the  'terrors  of  the  law,'  and  using  her  wonderful 
dramatic  power  with  surprising  effect  in  illustrating  her  sub- 
ject."—  The  Daily  American,  Lawrence,  Mass. 

"She  never  was  trained  to  public  speaking.  She  prepares 
no  discourses,  in  the  usual  sense  of  pulpit  preparation.  Like 
Marc  Antony,  and  most  successful  platform  leaders,  and  espe- 
cially all  our  early,  greatest  Methodist  preachers,  she  only 
'talks  straight  on.'  She  tells  'them  that  which  they  them- 
selves know,'  shows  them  their  sins  and  their  Saviour." — 
Western  Hampden  Times,  Westjidd,  Mass. 

"And  when  curiosity  is  gratified,  many  wiU  be  interested 
to  hear  her  still,  for  however  they  may  differ  from  her  in  doc- 
trine, they  must  perceive  that  she  is  desperately  in  earnest" — 
Fitchbvrg  Sentinel,  Mass. 

"Her  sermons  are  a  combination  of  religious  pathos  and 
striking  illustrations  from  life's  common  scenes,  applied  in 
direct  and  loving  terms  to  the  hearer.  Her  themes  are  mostly 
upon  the  salvation  of  man,  the  freeness  and  fulness  of  the  pro- 
vision made  in  the  Gospel  for  all  who  will  come." — Saturday 
Vox  Populi,  Wdburn,  Mass. 

"Her  industry  is  untiring  and  pre-eminent;  never  satisfied 
with  tasting  the  stream,  she  always  goes  to  the  fountain  of  hej 
religion — careful,  patient,  thoughtfully  mastering  her  subject 


346         -^tfJJiS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  GOTl. 

as  to  facts  and  principles,  fortifying  her  opinions  with  author- 
ities which  her  sound  judgment  pertinently  applies." — ThA 
Citizen,  Beaver'  Dam,  Wis. 

"Her  talents  are  of  the  highest  order;  I  doubt  if  there  is 
another  living,  who  has  a  higher  order  of  gifts,  either  in  the 
religious  or  secular  world.  Others  have  expressed  the  same 
opinion,  who  have  heard  all  the  great  female  actresses  and 
actors  who  have  visited  the  Pacific  Coast. 

"  There  was  no  time  lost  or  misused.  The  entire  servicea 
were  held  under  her  auspices,  her  control  and  leadership. 
No  clergyman  or  other  person  attempted,  by  suggestion  or 
otherwise,  to  interfere  with  her  plan  of  work." — California 
Christian  Advocate. 

"  She  j)reaches  two  and  three  times  every  day;  and  we  never 
heard  of  any  thing  to  equal  her  enthusiasm.  .  .  Her  whole 
soul  i's  engaged  in  what  she  deems  a  good  work,  and  unques- 
tionably is— namely,  to  awaken  the  thoughtless  and  sinning 
to  a  necessity  for  a  preparation  for  the  life  eternal." — The 
Louisiana  Sugar  Bowl. 

HER   ALTAR   WORK. 

"Her  altar  work  is  as  effective  as  her  preaching,  and  the 
place  is  usually  crowded  with  seekers.  She  is  equally  success- 
ful when  inquirers  meet  her  in  private,  and  although  some 
come  from  curiosity  they  almost  invariably  remain  to  pray." — 
Omaha  Herald,  Neb. 

* '  Her  appeals  are  more  thrilling  than  her  descriptions.  Nor 
does  she  content  herself  with  pulpit  efforts.  These  are  only 
preliminary  to  her  prayer-meetings  and  altar  work." — Cor- 
respondent. 

"  She  conducts  the  meetings  for  prayer  and  conference  with 
Especial  unction,  skill  and  j)ower."— i>r.  Burrows  in  The  Ocdy 
dent,  Cat. 

"In  her  altar  work,  which  invariably  follows  her  preaching, 
sh-e  exhibits  great  generalship  and  unfailing  resources,  remird» 
ing  one  much  of  Maffit' — Zion'a  Herald,  Boston, 


PEN  PICTURES.  34J 

"She  fully  believes  the  great  truths  which  she  preaches, 
and  she  strives  by  all  means  in  her  power  to  impress  them  on 
the  minds  of  her  hearers.  Her  altar  work  is  her  great  power. 
She  converses  personally  with  all  her  hearers,  and  has  proba- 
bly talked  face  to  face  during  her  mission  with  more  than  hali 
a  million  of  people  on  the  subject  of  personal  religion.  Dur- 
ing the  time  spent  here  (four  weeks)  some  four  hundred  and 
fifty  persons  were  at  the  altar.  The  great  wonder  is,  how  a 
human  being  can  perform  so  much  work — work  that  would 
kill  half  a  dozen  ordinary  clergymen." — The  Omaha  BepuUican. 

IN   THE   AUDIENCE. 

"It  is  amazing  to  see  her  bring  people  to  the  altar.  She 
Bets  the  meeting  going  and  then  flits  all  over  the  house,  here 
and  there,  in  pew  or  aisle,  entreating,  warning,  praying,  yet 
a  lady  always." — Zion's  Herald. 

"She  is  all  over  the  congregation,  addressing  every  one 
she  can  reach,  and  gathering  more  to  the  Lord  by  personal 
address  than  by  her  pulpit  portrayals  and  appeals." — Omaha 
Bepuhlican. 

"She  sees  every  movement  in  the  audience,  and  is  always 
alert  to  keep  in  check  any  thing  not  in  harmony  with  the  ob- 
ject of  the  meeting." — Baltimoi^e  American. 

"She  passed  down  the  aisles  and  brought  in  the  sinners 
apparently  with  no  effort,  having  an  almost  magical  influence 
upon  the  minds  of  those  with  whom  she  came  in  contact." — 
Methodist  Home  Journal,  Philadelphia. 

"  Mrs.  Van  Cott  went  around  among  the  congregation,  her 
face  all  aglow  with  enthusiasm,  and  talked  with  one  and  an- 
other, urging  them  to  attend  to  salvation  there  and  then." — 
Daily  Evening  Bulletin,  San  Francisco. 

"We  like  to  see  persons  who  understand  what  they  are 
about,  who  work  with  a  zeal  and  determination  to  accomplish 
what  they  commence,  who  seem  to  know  what  their  work  ia 


348  J^HS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

and  how  to  do  it,  and  persevere  till  it  is  done,  and  such  a  per- 
son we  think  is  Mrs.  Van  (joiV— The  Clinton  Courant,  Leomin' 
sier,  Mass. 

HER    SUCCESS. 

•'  The  power  of  Mrs.  Van  Cott  lies  in  the  fulness  sne  enjoys 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.  She  carries  with  her  manifestly  the  King's 
seal." — TJie  Occident. 

"The  world  has  seen  flaming  evangelists,  but  never  before 
of  her  sex.  A  Chrysostom,  whose  magic  oratory  endowed  him 
with  the  title  of  'silver-tongued,'  a  Bossuet,  whose  thrall  over 
an  audience  was  complete,  a  John  Knox,  who  prayed  '  Lord, 
give  me  Scotland  or  I  die,'  a  Whitefield,  who  preached  to  audi- 
ences numbering  forty  thousand  persons— all  these  were  rivals 
of  him  of  Tarsus,  but  never  before  has  a  woman  entered  upon 
this  arena  save  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  and  surely  her  success  has 
been  as  marvellous  as  theirs.  Over  sixteen  thousand  conver- 
sions in  eight  years,  attest  the  truth  of  this  statement.  It 
is  said  that  her  converts  'do  not  stick.'  We  have  inquired 
somewhat  into  this,  and  advise  these  detractors  to  qualify 
themselves  with  a  little  information  from  the  places  where 
she  has  labored.  "—Jl  S.  Whedon  in  Zion's  Herald. 

"  Her  work  and  success  demonstrates,  at  least  to  the  writer, 
and  we  know  it  does  to  thousands  of  others,  that  but  few  have 
given  better  evidence  that  she  has  been  called  of  God  to  call 
sinners  to  repentance,  and  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ  to  a 
perishing  world."— Oma/ia  Herald, 

"She  is  said  to  have  great  success.  But  believing  as  I  do 
that  all  true  success  in  saving  souls  follows  from  a  clear  and 
comprehensive  statement  of  Gospel  truth,  I  am  compelled  to 
doubt  the  genuineness  of  her  work."— JSl  E.  Hoss  in  Pacific 
Methodist. 

"She  has  made  a  name  in  the  church  annals  that  will  not 
die.  She  has  done  for  Christ  what  has  so  long  been  done  fox 
watichrist — ^made  woman  his  public  helper." 


PEN  PICTURES.  349 

The  same  one  writing  from  New  Orleans  in 
June  1874  says: 

"Mrs.  Van  Cott  had  remarkable  success  in  this  city,  only 
that  '  remarkable  '  has  ceased  to  be  a  proper  word  to  express 
her  success,  for  it  is  always  and  every  where  remarkable.  Yet 
the  hundreds  and  thousands  that  came  or  sought  to  come  into 
our  Church,  the  hundreds  converted,  the  five  hundred  gentle- 
men and  ladies  who  accompanied  her  to  the  depot,  the  costly 
gifts,  the  present  large  prayer-meetings,  and,  above  all,  the 
tearful  manner  in  which  her  praise  is  now  spoken,  show  that 
here,  as  in  Boston,  San  Francisco,  Milwaukee,  and  Baltimore, 
and  wherever  she  has  been,  her  praise  is  on  multitudinous 
lips,  as  the  most  extraordinary  in  her  gifts  and  revival  grace 
of  all  the  preachers  of  this  generation.  Surely  if  the  Lord 
God  of  both  male  and  female  was  intending  to  break  -down 
the  cruel  prejudice  that  debars  the  latter  from  the  functions 
and  the  privileges  which  she  had  all  through  the  Mosaic  dis- 
pensation— and  way  down  the  Christian  dispensation  until  it 
sunk  in  the  morasses  of  medieval  superstition,  and  buried  her 
ecclesiastical  and  clerical  rights  in  that  general  chaos  and 
black  night — he  could  not  show  his  will  to  his  Church  better 
than  by  raising  up  and  sending  forth  this  Deborah,  who  may 
humbly  yet  proudly  say  of  many  a  church,  village,  or  congre- 
gation, 'The  inhabitants  ceased,  they  ceased  in  Israel  until 
that  Deborah  arose,  that  I  arose,  a  mother  in  Israel.' 

"So,  at  least,  the  Baraks  and  governors  of  Ames  Chapel  re- 
gard our  Deborah.  Shall  she  be  a  judge  in  the  Israel  she  has 
redeemed?  On  this  question  of  to-day  let  us  pause  and  pray.* 
— Bishop  Gilbert  Haven. 

"San  Francisco  Methodism  has  not  for  years,  perhaps  never, 
witnessed  such  progress  as  it  is  seeing  now.  Powell  street 
is  alive  with  the  joy  of  young  converts.  God  has  greatly 
blessed  the  labors  of  Sister  Van  Cott  in  this  Church.  If  you 
could  go  there  any  evening  in  the  week  a  hundred  young 
converts  would  meet  you  with  songs  and  prayers,  tears  and 


350  ^^S.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

smiles  of  joy.  Bless  the  Lord  O  my  soul.  .  .  .  The  spirit 
of  revival  follows  the  evangelical  labors  of  Sister  Van  Cott." — 
Bishop  Jesse  T.  Peck,  Nevada,  Jan.  1874. 

HER    PRAYERS. 

**  Her  prayers  are  remarkably  free  from  conventional  twang, 
eiich  as  make  people  pray  as  though  their  words  had  run 
away  with  them,  and  could  not  be  pulled  up,  so  strong  are 
their  emotions.  Supplemental  syllables,  such  as  'Gospel-ah,' 
grave-ah  and  so  on,  with  every  terminal  word,  she  is  quito 
clear  from  such  failings,  and  withal  grandly  earnest  in  her 
work." — Janesville  Daily  Gazette,  Wis. 

"Now  she  prays.  Not  with  folded  hands  and  closed  eyes, 
as  to  the  invisible :  but,  with  continued  gesticulation,  and 
watchful  eyes,  as  to  the  visible." — Saturday  Vox  Populi,  Low- 
ell.  Muss. 

"The  power  of  her  prayers  is  noticeable,  and  it  is  worth 
going  fifty  miles  to  hear,  and  especially  to  join  in  one  of  her 
earnest  prayers  when  the  spirit  is  upon  her." — Republican  and 
Leader,  La  Crosse,  Wis. 

"Her  prayers  were  eloquent  beyond  description.  They 
seemed  to  be  divinely  inspired.  Before  commencing  her  ser- 
mon she  invoked  the  divine  blessing.  This  prayer  was  made 
standing  while  all  her  other  prayers  were  made  on  bended 
knees.  They  always  ended  with  special  invocation  ^for  me 
— even  poor  me.'" — Sacramento  Letter  to  California  Christian 
Advocate. 

We  turn  from  these  foreign  sketches  and  no- 
tice some  of  the  practical  work  which  has  en- 
gaged her  attention. 


> 


CHAPTER   XX. 


BAND   MEETINGS. 


|RS.  VAN  COTT  usually  formed  pray- 
ing bands  at  the  close  of  her  meet- 
ings, wherever  it  was  possible.  The 
object  of  these  meetings  were  gener- 
ally expressed  in  a  short  constitution  and  by- 
laws, running  about  as  follows  : 

"The  iipbTiilding  of  the  church,  and  the  salvation  of  im- 
mortal souls,  which  in  jaci  means  earnest,  faithful  Christian 
work. 

"These  meetings  shall  be  held  each  night,  in  the 

church  (or  place  designated). 

'-'  The  order  of  exercises  may  be  varied  somewhat,  but  run 
about  thus:  1st.  The  leader  shall  open  with  reading  of  hymn, 
singing  and  prayer.  2d.  Each  member  as  far  as  possible  must 
pray.  3d.  Each  one  must  speak  or  pray,  if  it  is  possible. 
4:th.  The  testimonies  must  be  short,  not  to  exceed  three  min- 
utes. 

"  The  third  Monday  evening  of  each  month  shall  be  design 
nated  as  a  public  band  meeting,  with  a  general  invitation  for 
the  congregation  to  be  present. 

"The  praying  band  should  hold  one  or  two  out-post  meet- 
ings at  some  needy  place. 


352 


MBS.  31  AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


' '  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of  the  several 
meetings,  and  read  a  general  statement  at  the  public  band 
meetings,  and  forward  a  copy  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott  when  desired." 

These  praying-band  meetings  have  been  very 
successful.  The  leader  is  usually  selected  by 
Mrs.  Van  Cott  and  continues  in  office  during  a 
given  time.  The  officers  are,  Leader,  Assistant 
Leader,  Secretary,  Chorister,  and  Treasurer,  the 
officers  usually  acting  as  a  committee  to  get 
teams,  when  the  band  needs  them  to  hold  an 
out-post  meeting. 

The  beautiful  reports  from  these  meetings  are 
worthy  a  limited  space  here,  and  are  selected 
from  an  abundant  supply. 

"Beloit,  Wisconsin,  Nov.  4th,  1873. 
""We  are  clinging  to  Jesus,  and  pleading  for  the  salvation 
of  souls.    By  faith  we  believe,  yes,  we  know  we  shall  be  re- 
warded.    There  seems  to  be  some  timidity  in  our  midst,  but 
as  we  grow  in  age  as  a  band,  this  seems  to  wear  off. 

"H.  G.  Sedgwick,  Sec.  P.  B." 

*'  (Place  not  named.)  Jan.  26,  1874. 
"  Oo5S  Bearers'  Praying  Band.  The  spirit  of  testimony  was 
among  us  and  several  testified  of  full  salvation.  Feb.  9,  was 
a  glorious  meeting.  Nearly  every  member  was  present  and 
the  Lord  was  with  us  in  loving  power;  several  engaged  in 
prayer  and  nearly  all  testified,  each  one  giving  an  encour- 
aging account  of  progress  in  the  divine  life.  Seven  new 
names  were  added  to  our  roll.  G.  Loyegbove,  Sec." 

"  MiiiWAtTKEE,  Jan.  31,  1873. 
**Band  of  Eappy  Workers." — Dec.  29.     We  had  a  glorious 
meeting,  in  which  all  gave  testimony  of  what  the  past  year 


BAND  MEETINGS.  353 

had  done  for  tliein.  It  might  have  been  called  a  thanksgiving 
and  praise  meeting,  for  every  heart  seemed  to  rejoice  in  God's 
love  and  goodness.  So  many  had  been  lifted  up,  had  been 
brought  from  darkness  into  the  light,  that  we  may  call  the 
year  1873  a  glorious  one,  a  year  which  will  stand  forth  in  the 
record  of  many  souls  as  the  brightest  they  had  known,  when 
the  Sun  of  Kighteousness  poured  a  flood  of  light  on  their  dark 
and  \seary  pathway.  Kitty  E.  Slocom,  Sec." 

Omaha,  Jan.  26,  1874. 
* '  Soldiers  of  the  Ch'oss.  Since  our  last  monthly  report  twenty- 
eight  new  members  have  been  admitted,  making  in  all  sixty- 
eight  members  in  Band  No.  1.  Several  seekers  have  been  at 
our  Monday  evening  meetings.  The  bands  were  invited  the 
first  of  the  month  to  assist  Bro.  Adair  of  the  South  Omaha 
Church,  where  a  good  work  has  been  accomplished.  Many 
seekers  were  at  the  altar,  and  quite  a  number  have  joined  the 
church,  and  still  the  work  goes  on.  A  series  of  meetings  have 
also  been  held  at  a  school-house  some  three  miles  out  of  town, 
conducted  one  week  by  Baud  No.  1,  and  the  next  week  by  Band 
No.  2.  Much  good  is  being  done  through  the  instrumentality 
of  the  praying  bands." 

(Place  not  named.)     Feb.  19,  1874. 

*'  Veteran  Praying  Band.  Our  leader  opened  the  meeting 
with  a  short  exhortation  of  the  Christian's  high  privilege  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  entreated  all  to  claim  the  promises  as  theirs ; 
then  he  led  in  prayer  and  we  had  a  precious  meeting.  We 
found  our  time  was  up  before  many  had  a  chance  to  take  part. 
It  was  agreed  each  should  occupy  less  time  hereafter. 

'•March  12.  Fifty-five  present,  nine  prayed,  nineteen  tes- 
tified and  seven  joined  our  number.  It  was  one  of  the  best 
meetings  we  have  had.  The  interest  seems  to  be  growing  each 
time  we  meet.  A  spirit  of  oneness  and  union  pervaded.  It  was 
good  to  be  there,  it  was  hard  to  part  after  the  meeting  nad 
closed.  All  seemed  to  feel  that  this  was  the  house  of  God,  ^n^ 
the  very  gate  of  heaven.  James  Williamson,  Sec 


354 


MRS.  31  AGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


"1008  Washington  St.,  San  Feancisco> 
Cal.,  March  11,  1874. 

"Dear  Sister  Van  Cott:  The  accompanying  reports  will  show 
how  the  young  converts  get  on.  J.  H.  Wythe. 

"  The  Dewdrops  report  for  the  month  ending  Feb.  15,  1874, 
34  children  present,  20  of  whom  testified  to  the  love  of  Jesus. 
3  prayers  were  offered. 

*'  Feb.  1st.  35  present.  20  testimonies  were  given  or  a  verse 
of  Scripture  repeated.     3  prayers  were  offered. 

•  Feb.  8.     34  present.     23  testimonies.     3  prayers  offered. 

"Maggie  Wythe." 

"  The  Band  of  Little  Gleaners.  Feb.  15.  Eleven  children 
present.  One  little  boy,  nine  years  of  age,  confessed  that  Je- 
sus had  'forgiven  his  sins,'  and  spoke  so  eloqently  of  the  power 
of  prayer,  and  plead  so  earnestly  for  his  schoolmates  to  give 
their  hearts  to  Christ,  explaining  so  perfectly  the  'way  to 
come  to  Jesus,'  as  to  melt  us  into  tears.  When  the  privilege 
of  prayer  was  given,  he  knelt  and  prayed  thus:  'Dear  Jesus, 
we  want  to  be  good  but  we  cannot.  Oh  make  us  good.  You 
can.  I  believe  it.  Take  my  hand  and  lead  me  in  the  right 
path,  for  Jesus'  sake  who  has  suffered  so  much  for  me.  Amen.' 
Every  little  heart  must  have  felt  the  influence  of  that  prayer. 
What  person  dare  say  God  was  not  there  ? 

"Sadie  C.  Trefken." 

"San  Francisco,  March  30,  1874. 
"  Cross  Bearers.  Special  prayer  was  made  to-night  in  be- 
half of  our  sisters  who  are  working  for  the  suppression  of  the 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors.  We  had  a  lively  meeting,  and 
all  realized  the  presence  of  the  Master.  Eleven  prayers,  twen- 
ty-two testimonies,  forty-five  present.  The  collection  for  the 
month  was  $20  (gold). 

"Baltimore,  Md.,  April  1st,  1874. 
"  Cross  Bearers.     At  our  first  meeting  thirty-four  members 
were  present.     At  the  second,  forty-seven,  third,  fifty-six,  and 
last  Monday  eve  there  were  seventy-one  regular  members  in 


BAXD  MEETINGS.  ^cc 

attendance.  We  are  a  live  Christian  band,  a  happy  band,  a 
loving  band,  a  God-fearing  and  a  God-serving,  and  a  working 
band.  A.  Bond  Jaekett,  Sec." 

"New  Orleans,  La.,  April  27,  1874. 
*'At  the  band  meeting  last  night  sixty-eight  were  present, 
six  prayers  were  offered,  and  forty-nine  testimonies  were  ren- 
dered. Jesus  was  very  near  to  us  all,  and  the  power  ol  the 
meeting  felt  by  many  who  asked  our  prayers.  One  young 
man  arose  and  said,  that  it  was  the  first  time  he  had  been  to 
the  church  for  months,  but  that  he  had  dropped  in  and  was 
so  affected  by  the  praj^ers  and  testimonies  of  the  young  con- 
verts that  he  then  felt  that  the  Saviour  had  saved  him.  He 
joined  the  church  at  night.  The  young  converts  are  doing 
bravely,  standing  up  for  the  Master,  and  doing  what  they  can 
for  his  honor  and  glory.  Cora  Busset,  Sec." 

"East  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  May  6,  1874. 
"Last  Monday  night  was  the  first  regular  meeting  of  the 
band.  About  fifty  were  present,  forty-one  members.  Nine 
prayers  were  offered  and  sixteen  persons  made  remarks.  The 
meeting  was  interesting  and  every  one  seemed  earnest  to  work 
for  the  Master.  Your  coming  among  us  has  resulted  in  great 
good.  Helen  Sutherland,  Sec." 

"New  Orleans,  May  8,  1874. 
"  The  Veterans.  The  meeting  was  opened  by  Bro.  Bussey 
reading  the  Scriptures,  and  prayer  by  Elder  J.  C.  Hartzell, 
after  which  the  leader  made  some  interesting  remarks  upon 
the  object  of  the  meeting.  .  .  Bro.  Morrow  spoke  very 
touchingly  of  the  sufferings  of  the  people  in  different  parts  of 
the  state,  by  reason  of  the  great  floods  of  water  overflowing 
the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  and  especially  of  those  sufferers 
in  this  city.  All  joined  in  singing  those  sv^'eet,  sure  words  oi 
promise,  "The  Lord  wdll  provide,  '  to  the  comfort  of  many. 
The  different  exercises  of  the  meeting  called  forth  varied  ex- 
periences in  Christian  life,  all  indicating  jDrogress  and  growth 
in  grace.     Some  spoke  of  conscious  victories  over  sin,  and 


356  ^^^-  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 

glorions  deliTerances  from  temptation,  with  renewed  trust  in 
Christ,  others  of  that  keeping  power,  that  faith  that  saves 
every  moment,  and  a  desire  to  be  conformed  to  the  glorious 
image  of  Christ,  and  to  labor  more  faithfully  in  the  Master's 
causa  Maey  L.  Brown,  Sec." 

Besides  these  band  meetings,  Mrs.  Van  Cott 
conducts  ''Promise  meetings,"  "Praise  meet- 
ings," "  Fasting  and  prayer  meetings,"  "  Silent 
meetings,"  "  Mothers'  meetings,"  "  Men's  meet- 
ings," "Watch  nights,"  "Love-feasts,"  "Young 
Converts'  meetings,"  "  Children's  meetings," 
"  Old  Veterans."  The  old  ^^.y  oi  fasting  and 
prayer  she  urges  upon  the  people.  Many  take 
the  advice  and  often  spend  an  entire  day  in 
fasting  and  prayer.  The  announcement  some- 
times runs  thus:  "We  have  had  no  supper, 
we  will  go  without  our  breakfasts,  and  to-mor- 
row noon  I  invite  you  all  to  take  dinner  with 
me  here  in  the  church.  Let  all  the  business 
men  leave  their  work  and  come  ;  and  we  want 
our  sisters  to  come  and  serve  at  the  Lord's 
table.  We  shall  have  a  royal  feast  and  you 
had  better  all  come."  At  one  of  these  the 
church  was  well  filled,  many  had  kept  the  fast 
and  were  quite  ready  to  enjoy  the  Gospel  feast. 

An  appropriate  hymn  was  announced,  and 
as  the  audience  remained  standing  after  singing, 
she  remarked,  "Here  now  at  this  feast,  before 
we  partake  of  the  rich  viands  let  us  look  to 


BAND   MEETINGS.  ^r^ 

God.  Brother  John  Durham  will  you  ask  a 
blessing  ? " 

They  all  knelt  ;  hearts  were  breaking-  with 
sorrow  through  unworthiness,  the  penitents  be- 
gan to  *  lay  hold  on  eternal  life,'  memories  called 
up  the  condition  of  starving  souls,  the  prayer 
was  full  of  wonderful  unction,  sobs  and  shouts 
and  expressions  of  "Glory"  ran  through  the 
audience. 

When  they  arose  she  continued,  "  I  am  ready 
now  to  serve  you.  Though  we  have  here  no 
visible  table,  yet  David  said,  *  Thou  preparest  a 
table  for  me  in  the  presence  of  mine  enemies.* 

**  And  so  the  Lord's  table  is  prepared,  it  is  a 
long  extension  table  and  goes  clear  around  the 
room.  Bless  God,  you  may  recline,  or  sit,  or 
kneel  or  stand  at  this  table  for  there  is  abun- 
dance of  room.     *  All  things  are  now  ready.' 

**  This  which  I  set  before  you  is  the  Bread  of 
life.  '  This  is  the  bread  which  cometh  down 
from  heaven,  that  a  man  may  eat  thereof,  and 
not  die.  If  any  man  eat  of  this  bread  he  shall 
live  forever.'  It  is  better  than  any  of  the  per- 
ishing substances  of  life.  Eat  of  this  and  be 
filled. 

"  And  here  in  this  golden  goblet,  is  the  water 
of  life,  clear  as  crystal.  Whosoever  drinketh  of 
this  water,  '  shall  never  thirst,'  but — says  Jesus 
— '  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  be  in 


358 


MBS.  MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT. 


him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlast- 
ing life.' 

**  I  always  like  to  have  a  large  centre  dish  at 
the  table,  and  so  before  us  here  to-day  in  our 
very  midst,  on  this  large  platter  of  exquisitely 
wrought  gold,  is  the  slain  Lamb.  Behold  what 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  Him  ! 
Jesus  said  '  my  flesh  is  meat  indeed.' 

"  And  for  our  dessert,  I  bring  you  some  of  the 
rich  clusters  of  the  grapes  of  Eschol.  They  are 
just  from  that  land  to  which  we  journey  and  from 
which  also  comes  this  milk  and  honey.  And  if 
you  choose,  here  is  wine.  The  Lord  of  hosts  has 
said  that  he  would  make  'unto  all  people  a  feast 
of  fat  things,  a  feast  of  wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat 
things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines  on  the  lees  well 
refined.'  And  you  may  drink  of  this  wine,  the 
Master  has  prepared  it,  as  he  did  of  old. 

'*  Now  partake,  eat  of  the  hidden  manna,  slake 
your  thirst  at  this  fountain  and  honor  your  Lord 
to-day." 

The  effect  of  this  exhortation  was  sublimely 
thrilling.  The  people  felt  as  they  had  never  felt 
before.  Some  of  them  remarked  afterward  that 
they  were  so  hungry  that  when  she  described 
the  rich  provisions  they  could  almost  see  them, 
and  when  applied  spiritually  they  had  never  pa> 
taken  of  such  a  heavenly  repast  before. 

The  following,  published  in  the  Sou^/iwest<J^ 


BAND  MEETINGS. 


359 


Advocate y  New  Orleans,  July  2,  1874,  will  speak 
for  itself: 

MRS.   VAN  COTT'S  FAST-DAY   FEAST. 

I  sat  at  a  feast,  where  the  wide-spreading  board 
Was  filled  with  choice  food  which  the  hostess  had  stored 
From  climes  of  the  sun,  and  from  lands  of  the  sea — 
For  a  right  royal  feast  she  had  said  it  should  be. 

Kot  a  dish  was  uncovered  ! — we  sat  in  amaze, 
For  never  a  crumb  had  been  spread  to  our  gaze  ; 
Till  lifting  her  hands,  then  she  bade  us  receive 
The  pure  milk  and  honey  of  love,  and  beheve. 

Fresh  honey-comb— filled  to  the  brim  every  cell 
"With  nectar  whose  sweetness  no  mortal  can  tell ! 
On  parched  corn  and  cheese  and  rich  olives  we  fed. 
While  pure  oil  of  gladness  was  poured  on  each  head. 

The  rare,  rich  grapes  of  Eschol,  she  promised,  she  brought 

So  luscious,  we  wondered  how  Israel  forgot 

In  whom  they  had  trusted,  and  doubted  the  word 

Of  the  Lord,  as  the  tales  of  the  giants  they  heard. 

Pomegranates  and  figs,  from  that  land  of  the  East, 
Our  hostess  supplied  for  her  marvellous  feast ; 
And  manna  from  heaven,  freshly  gathered  each  day 
Full  measure  is  meted  to  us  as  we  pray. 

For  those  who  were  seated  with  succulent  food. 
She  brought  to  them  quails,  in  appearance  so  good 
That  Israel's  hosts,  when  they  saw  them,  were  glad. 
And  ceased  to  complain  of  the  famine  they'd  had. 

Fresh  bread  as  from  heaven  she  brought  to  us  then 
And  bade  us  be  nourished  and  strengthened  again 
For  labors  of  love,  or  for  duties,  each  day 
Will  bring,  v^xih  the  bread  which  we  ask,  when  we  pray, 


360  J^^-S.   MAGGIE  NEWTON  VAN  COTT, 

We  all  were  athirst  as  we  ate  of  the  bread, 
And  looked  to  our  hostess,  who  smiled,  as  she  said  • 
*'  Here's  Water  of  Life  which  is  free  as  'tis  pure." 
Who  drinks  of  this  cup  will  not  thirst,  1  am  sure  I 

How  sweet  was  the  draught,  and  we  fancied  the  word 
Was  spoken  to  us  which  the  woman  once  heard 
As  over  th«  well  of  her  fathers  she  bent, 
Believing  the  message  from  God  had  been  sent. 

The  wine  of  the  Kingdom  beside  the  pure  draught 
Of  waters  she  placed,  and  we  thought  as  we  quaffed, 
— If  vintage  like  this  we  may  taste  as  we  fast, 
*'  Sow  precious  the  wine  that  is  kept  till  the  last. 

We  thought  we  had  finished  ;  but  leaving  the  fish 

That  fed  the  disciples,  a  sumptuous  dish 

She  placed  in  the  centre  of  all,  as  she  said  : 

•'  The  Lamb  who  was  slain  for  your  swis,  in  your  stead! 

Would  we  dare  to  partake  of  such  sacred  repast  ? 
Must  we  not  shrink  abashed,  as  she  opened  the  last, 
Best  dish  of  the  feast  to  our  wondering  gaze  ? 
•'  Nay !  eat  and  be  filled,  and  to  God  give  the  praise  !  '* 

I  sat  with  the  guests,  and  the  crumbs  as  they  fell 
Beside  the  full  board,  ah  !  they  nourished  me  well : 
I  did  not  need  ask  to  be  served,  for  I  had 
A  feast  of  good  things  for  my  soul,  and  was  glad. 

Faith. 


Bespectfully  inscribed  to  Mrs.  Van  Cott,  to  whom  I  as 
•specially  indebted  for  many  a  sweet  thought. 

Mbs.  B.  W.  Bsainxbo. 


DATE  DUE 

HIM,,,,!  JS. 

ML^ 

mq 

CAYLORO 

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